a different blind steal

[James.]

i've been doing this for a long time. i have been sort of reluctant to post it, but i guess it's not like it's a million dollar secret or anything. this is a different technique i use to steal the blinds that does not employ applying pressure preflop, but instead leaving my range open to "hit" the flop.

the first scenario i use it in is when i have a passive player to my right(the kind that usually calls pf whether you raise or not is okay, but we really like tightpassives for this). it folds to me in the sb, and rather than raise, i complete intending to bet out on any flop(the scarier the better). i mix this with my obvious raise/steals and they seem to complement each other. as with any play, moderation and timing is key(along with having an accurate read).

the other scenario i employ a similar line is when there is a very tight sb that often does not complete, and if he does he is very fit/fold(we really want him to NOT complete for this to work)and we have a similar weak passive in the bb again. if it folds to me i may limp with the intention of betting any flop when checked to me. once again, for this to be successful you MUST pick the right spots and even more importantly, the correct opponents.

these plays are usually viewed as "weak-tight" moves. against a less than aware opponent it can be a nice little addition to your blind "stealing" arsenal. of course don't overuse or misuse it. and it is also important to cover these steal limps with real limps, but i'll let you figure that out on your own.

[Mr. Orange]

I've used these plays before. They do work well (when used in moderation against the right opponents as you mentioned)

[Grease]

I have a question: Do you do this only on the button, or will you do this from the CO as well? The only reason why I wouldn't like this, is if there is an aggressive guy between you and the blinds, who thinks that you limping is a sign of weakness. I would presume that this scenario would make you less likely to try stealing the blinds like this, but I haven't given this concept much though, but the more I think about it, the more I think I would like it.

[James.]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a question: Do you do this only on the button, or will you do this from the CO as well? The only reason why I wouldn't like this, is if there is an aggressive guy between you and the blinds, who thinks that you limping is a sign of weakness. I would presume that this scenario would make you less likely to try stealing the blinds like this, but I haven't given this concept much though, but the more I think about it, the more I think I would like it.

[/ QUOTE ]

it's really most effective from the sb. the button would need to be supertight as well for it to work from the CO, so i usually wouldn't try it from there. and also, you have to limp some good hands from the button also to protect a bit. but if you need to protect the limps that much, the conditions aren't usually right anyway.

[BenA]

I am wondering though, with good reads for this play, how big is your hand range?

[James.]

[ QUOTE ]
I am wondering though, with good reads for this play, how big is your hand range?

[/ QUOTE ]

can be any two at times. usually anything i would steal with.

[sharpie]

The first one I like (are you talking about completing the SB against a weak limper or open completing the SB against a weak BB?)

The second one I think there's too much value in taking it down either immediately or on the flop against these opponents. I'd prefer it against loose blinds that were fit or fold post.

[James.]

[ QUOTE ]
The first one I like (are you talking about completing the SB against a weak limper or open completing the SB against a weak BB?)

The second one I think there's too much value in taking it down either immediately or on the flop against these opponents. I'd prefer it against loose blinds that were fit or fold post.

[/ QUOTE ]

notice above i primarily endorse it from the sb. from the button it doesn't come up as often(perfect scenario wise), but when its there take advantage of it.

[XmasXmas]

on a different note, i watch for players that limp in from the button or the sb (very weak move as you said), and raise or c/r most flops from the BB. i get good results from doing it (a lot of instant folds).

[fellfold]

If they are likely to call a raise pre-flop but play fit or fold on the flop, wont you make more money in the long run by raising pre-flop? If they roll over pre-flop, you make the same amount. If they fold on the flop, you've made more.