Fixing Leaks...

[MrDannimal]

I need help in two areas of my game (well, at least two. These are the ones I want to work on currently):

- I don't check-raise enough. The good news is that at least I'm not check-calling. I have a feeling that I'm just plain betting out (like a bull) in places I could be c/r-ing. Bad news: By bulling around I'm not doing enough to protect my weaker hands (possible costing me some pots) and I'm not getting as much from others out of my strong hands.

I know it would be best to post hands, but given my situation I think it might be easier to ask folks to post generic situations they would think about check-raising.

The second weakness if defending the blinds. It's not just steal attempts, but when to call any raise from the blinds. Am I correct to assume that you need a progressively better hand to call a raise the earlier it comes? How much does it matter if there are cold callers between you and the raiser, and in what direction does it make you lean (call or fold) with various hands?

I guess my problem is that I understand the general concepts, vaguely. When it comes to actual play, I don't feel I grasp them strongly enough to quickly apply them correctly. I have and have read WLLHE, Hold 'Em Poker, and am working through HPFAP and TOP. My problem is that there aren't enough examples for me (or at least, the way I learn) so I'm left asking the book "Well what about X...?"

TIA, gang.

[jstnrgrs]

Well, I figure I'll give my opinions, and let others correct them as they see fit.
1. I only check raise if there is a pre flop raiser still to act. I've had to many check raise attempts get checked around just to hope that someone bets. I think top pair with a strong kicker or better is worth check raising. If the pre flop riaser is immediatly to my right, then I am more inclined to check raise with strong hands like sets. If the pre flop raiser acts after several other opponents, I am more inclined to check raise with weaker hands like top pair.

2. When defending the small blind against a raise, play hands that you would play from middle position with a raise ahead of you. When defending the big blind, you must consider how many other players are going to be in the pot (note that limpers will almost call a raise). If there are many players, you can play hands as weak as any suited cards. If there are few players, you can play big cards, and pocket pairs.

I believe that in micro limit games you are incorrect in assuming that progressively better hands are needed the earlier the raise comes. Most players at this level know nothing about position, and only look at the cards that they have.

[Webster]

People are trying to steal the blinds? I really never see this. I thought I was the only one that did that!

I have a question on this and will post it seperatly.