Flop Play

So finally we see the flop (3 cards dealt by the dealer). We have got only two questions for the Flop Play:

• Has the flop strengthen our had?
• Has the flop strengthen the position of our opponents?

As for your hand, you know the answer, as to opponents hands, then we can only guess.

If you have a pair, and you got set (3 of a kind). You should not dream, but take actions, you caught the set and now you have to steal as much money as it is possible. If you are the first to take actions then check and if the opponent raises reraise him, do the same if you are the last one if he raised. If opponent checks first, you should bet 3-4 big blinds, not allowing  him to see the free card. If there are 3 or more players, you always have to bet, because there is a possibility that someone will collect more powerful combination. 

If you have a pair, and there is one or two overcards. For example you want to playing the Flop with JJ, but on the flop came 3 Q A. Perhaps yor hand is weak and putting money in the bank would be dangerous, but you can win a if you are the lasIf rival downloaded check, bet. If he checks, do not put a penny in the bank, if he raise - fold. If your move is first, then check and hope to see the next card for free.

If you have a pair, and the flop has cards lower than your pair. For example you want to playing the Flop with KK, and the flop has 7 9 J. In this situation, attact is the right decision, hopes that the opponent caught something, but not higher than your kings, for example - AJ. 

If you have two cards of different ranks and top pair on the flop, for example, you have AQ, flop is Q 9 4. You got kicker and most often you'll be a winner, so we need to attack. For example opponent has KQ, your will still win. If there are more than 2  players in the game your chances are getting lower. 

If you have two cards of different ranks and the flop middle pair, for example, you have AQ, the flop is K, Q, 9. If you are the first to make action, you raise. Do not add a penny to the bank if you are called, in case of reraise - fold. If you are in late position or button, 2 or more players checked, then make a raise 3-4 big blinds and fold to reraise. If someone has made min raise 2-3 big blinds it is possible to call him and hope for a better card.

If you have two cards of different ranks and the flop is absolutely not yours, but with lower cards. For example you have AJ, and the flop is 2, 6, 9, do not worry there is a probability that your opponent did's see his cards also, so you can still raise 2-3 big blinds or reply to his small bet. If the flop is 9, 9, K and the opponent raised 3-4 big blinds or more, it is better to fold than to get involved in the struggle and loose your money. 

If you have two cards of different ranks and you see a straight-draw or flush draw. For example, you QK diamonds, and on the flop cards: 3, 10 diamonds and J cross. Thus, if A or 9 will give you straight, but if comes any diamonds, then flush. Although you have nothing now, but it is a strong combination, it can be even possible to answer the all-in. If you have only a straight-draw or flush draw, then you should play more carefully and try to get your card only if case of check or small raise, going all-in or calling more than 4 big blinds is not the best decision.

Enjoy your game!