“Targeting” in poker is an essential concept that focuses on identifying the hands you want to target for either value or as a bluff when betting. It’s about understanding which hands you’re likely to get called by (or fold) based on the situation. Here are some key points from the concept of targeting:
1. Value Betting
In a value betting situation, targeting is all about knowing which worse hands you want to call your bet. For example, if you have top pair, top kicker, you’re targeting worse aces that could reasonably call. In this case, you bet enough to extract value from these weaker hands while ensuring you don’t scare them off with a bet that’s too large or too small. A good value bet takes into account your opponent’s range and potential hands.
Example:
In the AK vs. villain with an ace-high board, the idea is to bet in a way that targets weaker aces (AQ, AJ), and you make a value bet to extract the most chips from those hands.
2. Bluffing
Targeting also plays a crucial role when you’re bluffing. If you’re bluffing, you need to think about which hands you want to fold. In the example of the Q♠J♠ on a 9♠ 8❤️ 2♠ board, your target would be hands like A8, 77, or similar hands that might fold to pressure.
Example:
When you hit a scare card (like an Ace), you might target hands like 77, 99, or 8x, betting an amount that makes these hands fold, while not over-betting and losing too many chips if your opponent holds a stronger hand.
3. Sizing Your Bets
Once you identify your target hands, sizing your bets accordingly becomes crucial. You don’t want to bet too large if your opponent is likely to fold, or too small if you want to extract maximum value. The bet size should reflect your target’s potential to call or fold, depending on whether you’re betting for value or as a bluff.
Key Takeaways:
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Targeting means understanding the hands you want to call or fold.
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Value betting and bluffing both require an understanding of your opponent’s range.
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Bet sizing should align with your targets, ensuring you extract value or get folds from your desired hands.
Targeting isn’t just about having an intuition for when to bet, but also about recognizing specific hands and adjusting your strategy accordingly. It turns poker into a more dynamic and thought-out process rather than just relying on raw hand strength.
