Two Pair to the Test.....

[Nighttrain]

:D
what up guys...new to the forums but been playin awhile(small tyme)anyways I have had this delima frequently at the online tournaments,and thought I would run it by you guys.

You flop top two pairand bet all the way down and there is no straight or flush but your opponent puts you to the test......now i know the first thing you think is what kind of player is he how has he been playing...yeah,yeah,I know but the thing about it is i have seen many a great player get rocked by a set.....In a tournament I have started checking my two pair on the river,because I have gotten popped with top two pair 3 times in the past month...one was no-limit ring game(ouch)...
That is my question have a couple of bad breaks made me a timid scared player or is that the best move.....just wanted some advice,thanks and nice site

[Dave B]

If you have the top two pairs, bet strong. Anything else, make a play but be careful. You may run into some sets, but in the long run you will come out ahead.

[xStratePhlushx]

The best strategy is bet strong through and only be concerned when your opponent raises you. A general rule repeated in just about every poker book I have read (and I have seen myself to be true more often than not) is this:

If your opponent raises your bet when all the cards are out then he is almost never bluffing.

Checking on the end is wrong because this demonstrates your weakness and gives him the golden opportunity to bluff. Only check if you have a very strong hand and know he will bet and check-raise him.

By checking on the end you are losing money in two ways. First you lose the money from people who would have called with weaker hands but check along instead. Second you lose the money from players who will bet in bluff to steal the pot when you don't call their bet. The money you may lose by sticking a bet out, getting raised, and having to fold is more than made up by gaining the bets in those two situations.

This logic often faulters against really weak players though, against them use your best judgement (they'll probably end up giving you your money back if they win anyways).

-xStratePhlushx-

[Nighttrain]

8)
I agree.....very well said.Somtimes in this crazy game you loose your rational thinking and just need to here it from somebodyelse,but still hitting those trips two three times in a row can make any player loose it....