September 20th, 2017

Crushing Small-Stakes No-Limit: Moving All-In with a Small Stack in Position
© 2017 by M. Mitch Freeland
 
When there are multiple limpers with short stacks and I am in late position or the blinds and I have a reasonably strong hand, I will raise all-in.  Here is an example:  I am the big blind in a $1-$2 game. Six players have called.  There is $12 in the pot.  I have A♠T♥.  Since everybody limped I assume that their cards are weak.  All six players have stacks ranging from $30 to $60.  A♠T♥.   off suit is not that great of a hand to see a flop with six opponents; but there is a strong possibility that it is the best hand. However,  if I can win the pot preflop or narrow down the competition to one opponent I have a chance to make some money.  If I were to make a normal raise to $16 to $20, there is a good chance that half the group would call.  If I moved-in for  $60 (all-in) I could win the pot right away or get one caller and still have a good chance of winning.  A non all-in bet of $30 or $40 would probably take the pot as well.
 
This type of play also makes me look loose, if there is a show down. I have moved all-in with medium pocket pair many times to make this a powerful money play, whether you get a caller or not.  You also must remember that you will be out of position if you get callers when you are in one of the blinds, so the best move is to take the pot immediately, unless you are up against one opponent who has over a 50% frequency of folding on the flop with a bet.
 
Who do you know who needs to improve their Poker game?  Know anybody who dreams of making GOOD money playng No-Limit Texas Hold'em?   Steer them to www.MitchFreeland.com and his breakthrough book, "The Small Stakes Poker Hustle." Also, get your FREE book,  "Mini Goals Huge Results."