The loose low limit Texas hold em game is an animal you are almost certain to encounter when you first approach the poker tables in search of Texas Hold em adventure. Both live casinos and online poker sites are rife with these games, which feature stakes low enough that nearly anyone can play, regardless of bankroll or skill level and don't forget regardless if you play online or live, Texas Holdem rules are the same.
Some players feel that these Texas Holdem games are much harder to beat than a game with more experienced players, since with multiple players loose enough to put in bets all the way until the end, a hand that starts out as a serious underdog often catches up enough to win. As a result, players often complain about how their good hands lose in these games. However, no matter how many bad beats you take, the principles of poker remain the same, and solid, correct play will win you the chips in the long run. One situation you will be happy to consider is what to do when you flop a monster, especially in when you play in a loose online Texas holdem game.
What is a Monster?
In Texas Hold'em poker a monster is a hand that is so good that opponents are highly unlikely to beat it even if their hands improve. For example if you hold Qs Th and the flop is 8s 9c Jh, you have a monster hand. You have flopped the nut straight, and there are no flushes out there that can beat you. Another example would be if you hold As Ac and the flop is Ad 2h 2c. Here you have a full house and can only lose to an unlikely four of a kind.
What Do You Do With a Monster?
When you flop a monster hand in while playing Texas holdem poker, you generally want to build as large a pot as possible. However, you want to be careful. If your bet will force players to fold, it could prove very costly for you in the long run. In most situations, it makes sense to slow play, that is, to check and let other opponents bet. Even if everyone checks, the turn card may improve the hand of an opponent who would have folded on the flop, but now feels compelled to call to the end.
How Do You Handle a Monster in Loose Low Limit?
In a loose low limit game, players are much more likely to give you action, so you do not have to slow play as much. If the threat is brutally obvious, such as three to a suit or two aces on the board when you hold a flush or full house respectively, you will want to play it more slowly. However, if your monster is more subtle, such as a hidden set (three of a kind) or the straight mentioned above, you will probably get action if you bet out right away. If you think someone else will bet, it is better to check and let them bet for you. The last thing you want to happen is to bet and have someone raise right away, driving out players. Your best scenario is if you can check to a player close to your left, let them bet, and after a number of people call, raise. Now all the players in between will feel tied on not only for that one more bet, but for any subsequent bets you plan to make. But remember the fixed limit Texas Hold em rules that states that only one bet and three raises may be made in one betting round, at least online.
What is Not a Monster?
A hand such as an over pair or two pair should not be considered a monster. If you have 8c 9c and the flop comes 8h 9h As, you have a strong hand, but by no means should you play it slowly. You might lose if any heart comes, or if anyone playing an ace pairs their kicker, or if someone makes a straight. If you have a hand like As Ad and the flop is 9s Ts Jh, you may already be losing to JT or KQ, although you should still assume you have the best hand until circumstances suggest otherwise. You can also bet that anyone with an 8 or Q will go all the way to the river with you, so you don't need to fear losing any action with a bet.
Bet this hand aggressively, but be aware of a turn or river card that may ruin your hand.
What to Remember
In a loose low limit Texas Hold em game, monster hands are your bread and butter. Because these games are so loose, many times you will have strong hands that lose to players who you can't shake no matter how much you bet or how obvious you make it that you have the best hand. When you have a monster, its payback time. Let them call and call and chase their hand, and at the river collect all those bets that those players have sucked out on you for the past few hours. You must make opponents pay when you flop a huge hand in these games. Failing to do so is as bad as making too many loose calls yourself.
