Advanced Poker Strategy: Controlling the Pot
Whether you're an aggressive player who likes to dominate proceedings or a more considered participant, controlling the pot effectively is one surefire way to guarantee success at the poker table. Choosing when to play a big pot – and when not to – will go a long way towards determining your progress. Here is a basic guide to controlling the pot.
‘Controlling the Pot’
The notion of pot control is simple: attack a decent-sized kitty when you have a good hand and stick to smaller pots when your hand is more marginal. The difficulty is in knowing when you have a good hand compared to your opponents, also in determining when the time is right to follow a value strategy and when to flex your muscles and exercise pot control.
Tips for Taking Control
Managing your chip stack is inextricably linked to good pot control. Of course, there are a few factors that govern this, and the bad news is that not all of them are at your discretion.
Flop Til You Drop
All poker hands are defined by the flop, though this isn’t the be-all and end-all. In the purest terms you’ll flop a decent hand or you won’t, but there are ways in which these can be manipulated to ascertain control of the table.
This task is much easier when you are ‘in position’, i.e. the first to make a move. You can cast yourself in the role of dominant force – whether you want to build a pot or keep it relatively small. You can check and hope that your opponents follow suit, and this can be a handy tactic whether you have a strong hand (the red herring) or a marginal one (trying to see the turn).
Your bet size while in position will help you to manage the pot. If you’ve flopped a good hand then take control; this will be a fantastic opportunity to build a large kitty. Calling and waiting for your opponents to follow suit will stand you in good stead, but be warned that raising pre-turn could discourage them, and this is contrary to the principles of pot control.
If you’re not in position after the flop, then ultimately you are relying on the activities of your opponents to help build the pot. But you’ll still have two choices: check-call, as this will enable you to make a more informed decision following the turn, or place a bet and hope your opponent calls or raises if pot control is in your sights.
Know Your Enemy
Being able to read your opponents and anticipate their next move is a crucial tenet of successful pot control. If the player to your left is passive, then you will find yourself value betting more than you would against an authoritative opponent. Value betting is still a useful way of accumulating a decent-sized pot, but betting and raising at the right time are essential for keeping the passive player interested.
Unpredictable players are harder to read. If they are a prolific ‘check-raiser’ or an obvious bluffer, then you will need to control the pot to prevent them from dominating proceedings.
Turn the Other Cheek
The turn will help to consolidate your position, or blow the game wide open. Predicting the strength of your opponents’ hands is now more crucial than ever, as is identifying their potential for a powerful draw. If you have a strong hand right now then perhaps the time is right for a showdown.
If you are confident that you have the best hand, then call or bet small – you want to be ‘encouraging’ your opponents to hold on for the river. If you have a weak hand but a potential draw, then think smart: don’t let your chip count dwindle for the sake of a long shot.
Variety is the Spice of Life
In the same way that you prefer to play readable opponents than unpredictable sorts, think about how your poker personality comes across. Pot control is about sensible aggression at the right times and paying your dues at others. Vary your game so that your fellow players can’t get a read on you, and avoid adopting any obvious strategies or patterns of play.
Why not put your new-found pot control strategies to the test? Visit William Hill Poker today!
Recommended Poker Sites
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. UK new players only. Deposit bonus (equals to 200% up to 1,000$): Full T&C's apply ? First deposit only ? Min. deposit $10 ? The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk ? Bonus wins are capped at $500 ? Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino ? Wagering req. vary by game ? Bonus expires in 90 days. - Full Terms Apply.'Online Poker Operator of the Year' 2022Unique BLAST & SNAP Fast-Fold GamesSatellites to Exclusive Online XL SeriesBIGBONUSBonus CodeThe code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time1-3 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker? event packages?YesHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?YesWith over 10 million registered members, 888poker is one of the world’s largest poker networks and they also have their own live circuit featuring some of the most prestigious poker events in the world, with destinations such as London, Barcelona and Bucharest.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. T&Cs Apply. Welcome Bonus promotion for new players only; minimum deposit required.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. 18+. UK. New players only. Deposit min £10 to get 100% deposit bonus (up to £400). Must accumulate 4 x deposit bonus in points to release in full, within 90 days. Bonus is released in 10% increments. Additional £70 credited as P$ and tickets (credited over 9 days). Restrictions and T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. 18+. T&Cs apply. New Customers Only. £20 extra = one cash game ticket of €8 and 4 x UK Tour tournament tickets of €4. £500 Playthrough bonus = €600. Both bonuses are activated upon first deposit from the poker client. Tickets expire after 35 days and the playthrough bonus after 60. £1 GBP = €1.1875. Selected games only. BeGambleaware.org. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. €365 bonus is redeemed in instalments based on Status Points earned. Tickets and prize wheel spins expire after seven days. Time limits, exclusions and T&Cs apply. For more information about this offer please visit the website. 18+. New players only. Registration Required. Gamble responsibly. http://www.gamblingcare.ie/. - Full Terms Apply
- 6#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. 18+. Extra Spins: on Double Bubble. 1p coin size, max lines. Game availability & restrictions apply.
Stay In The Loop With New Casino Sites & Offers!
Free Spins. Exclusive Bonuses. Sent Weekly.