Constantly searching for plays that will up their game, poker players often encounter strategic advice regarding the sizing of bets. One of the newer strategies to appear both in online and live poker is the blocking bet, also called block bet or blocker bet.
This strategy has become a simple, easy-to-execute poker move for skilled players. Keep reading our guidelines to learn the power of the blocking bet in poker.
What is the Blocking Bet?
Before you can start using the block bet in poker, you must first understand what it is. This is a small-size bet that you make when you are out of position.
Players typically opt for the blocker bet when they are first to act so that they would pay less to enter the showdown or see the next card.
The block bet is usually around 20-33% of the pot. Many players resort to it because it allows them to remain cautious.
The Common Uses
The idea behind the blocker bet is to minimize your risk via keeping the pot small. In poker, you want to get as much information as possible to make the best decisions.
Sometimes you just don’t know enough and predicting future actions by your opponents can be hard.
Use the blocking bet when you act first on a river, for example, with a medium-class hand. It will likely lead you to the showdown. Your hand is not strong enough to place a large bet, so the small size of the block is the perfect fit for the situation.
This type of bet is likely to get called, but not raised, which suits you. In general, block is used when the player wants to see the river card for cheap money, as well as enter the showdown in the same way.
The Advantages of a Blocker Bet
When used properly, the blocking bet can save you money and improve your win rate in the long run. Consider it when you are holding a marginal hand or a draw, unless you think that you can get your opponent to fold.
Keep in mind that if you start using the blocking bet too frequently, your game will become transparent and will motivate other players to counter you with bluff-raising. Implement a balanced strategy.
Sure, getting away cheaply with a second-best hand is the goal of this tactic, but occasionally you should throw in a block bet while holding what is very likely the best hand on a given street.
