ONLINE POKER TOP10 Beginner’s Tips Fixed Limit Holdem – Part III - The Turn and The River

The Turn and The River

Now that we have covered the strategy for the first two betting rounds, we will explore the options for the last two betting rounds – the Turn and the River. How you play in these rounds largely depends on how you have played your hand so far, before and after the flop.

The Turn

On the Turn, if you have been the aggressor so far, by leading the betting action, then you need to keep up the pace, especially if the Turn improves your hand. If you are not the last to act and haven’t been the aggressor, then what you should do depends on the hand you hold. When you are first to act and you bet and there are no raises behind you, this round is over. But what if you bet and there is a raise behind you?

When there is just one bet or raise behind you, you should:

• Raise with two pair or better.
• Call with: Top pair, over pairs, monster draws, open- end straight draws, double gut-shot draws and gut shot draws IF you are getting 10 to 1 on your bet (10x your bet is in the pot). ALL other hands you should fold.

When there is more than one bet or raise behind you, you should:

• Raise with two pair or better ONLY if you still think you have the best hand.
• Call with: Top pair, two pair, over pairs, monster draws, open- end straight draws, double gut-shot draws and gut shot draws IF there is no flush possible on the board.
• Fold all other hands.

This is decision time with your hand. Taking into consideration the other players actions; (are they raising you or just calling?) you have to make a determination if you think you still hold the best hand or, if you have a draw that will be the best hand if you make it on the river. 

Now we are at the final round – the River.

If you had a drawing hand, it is now worthless unless you make it because there are no more cards to come. It will also be hard to bluff if one or more opponents have been calling or raising you in previous rounds as it is doubtful they will fold. When you miss your draw, of course you should check and if there is a bet, you fold. When it is on you to act - never fold! Always check in case the other players also check – if you all missed your draw, you may still win with a pair or high card.

As with the turn, if you have been the aggressor (you were the last one to bet or raise on the turn) then you should bet any made hand.

• If someone raises after you: If they could have a better hand, you should only call. If you believe you have the best hand, you can reraise.
• When an opponent bets before you: Raise with two-pair or better, unless you are unsure that you have the best hand. In this case, you should only call.

How you play this round if you have not been the aggressor is slightly different.

• Bet or call a bet if you hit a top pair on the river: If there is more than one bet and call in front of you, or if there is a raise after you, you should fold.
• If you called with a top pair or an over pair on the flop or the turn: Call a bet on the river. However if there is a lot of betting and/or raising, you should fold.
• Raise with two-pair or better, if no better hand is probable, otherwise only call.
• If you have a pair on the river, even if it is not the top pair or better, call a bet if you are heads-up.

In all cases, when you miss your draw or don’t have a made hand, check and then fold if there is a bet.