Importance of Calling the Flop
October 2nd, 2008Flop is very important part of the game as it defines how good or bad your hand is when compared to other hands. Just after the flop, your hand is nearly 71 percent complete. When you see the flop, consider whether it is wise to call at that point or fold.
In other words, you are using the Fit-or-Fold criteria to analyse what the best option is. Examine whether the call would help in improving your hand by providing you a couple of good pairs. If it does, call would do you good. If calling helps you to get a good draw, such as a four card flush, go for it.
But, you must be very cautious and analyse flops. All flops don’t reap benefits. In fact, they are either useless or can be more damaging. As a result, before calling the shots, think twice. It would be better to fold if you don’t find any utility in calling the flop.
If there is a raise, you need to tread carefully as a mistake can cost you money. For instance, if the opponent has three-suited cards or you find the board is paired, calling would not be wise in such a situation. If you have mediocre hand, calling would cause problems.
Although it is true that you are unlikely to win each time you call, it is wise to press the trigger when you are absolutely sure of a win during a flop. The other point to note here is that you need to be selective with the hands you wish to play. When you know to choose the best possible starting hands, you are most likely to win in majority of the cases when you call during a flop.
So, try your luck in calling the flop and see whether you have taken the right decision or not.
