The preflop almost all in
During a recent European Poker Tour (EPT) event in Barcelona, I found myself at the same table as Jennifer Shahade in an evening hypers tournament. These fast-paced games often result in players becoming short stacked quickly if they don’t get a good start. Jennifer, in a short stack situation, waited for a good spot and then moved all-in with an Ace, leaving just one big blind behind.
She was called by a player in position, and they both checked the flop. After checking the turn, her opponent bet, and she decided to use her last big blind with Ace high, ultimately losing the hand. As she left the table, I complimented her on her play, which seemed to confuse some of our table mates.
In a previous article, I discussed the benefits of leaving one big blind behind on the river. This strategy also applies to leaving one big blind behind preflop, with additional advantages. In this article, I will delve into these advantages and why this play is superior to simply going all-in.
It sometimes gets checked down
By leaving one big blind behind, there is a possibility that the hand gets checked down and you lose. However, this outcome can be advantageous as it allows you to preserve that extra big blind and potentially use it to your advantage in future hands. Winning one extra big blind in these scenarios is worth more than losing the big blind when it gets checked down.
You can sometimes fold
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to fold even when you leave yourself with one big blind. In certain situations where you are severely short-stacked compared to your opponents, folding can lead to an elimination and potentially secure a higher payout. Knowing when to fold with one big blind remaining can be a strategic move that pays off in the long run.
The confusion factor
Leaving a blind behind can confuse opponents and slow down the game, especially during critical moments like pay jumps. Players may question whether you are all-in, how much you have left behind, and whether they can raise. This confusion can work in your favor as opponents may misinterpret your actions and make decisions that benefit you. The element of surprise can give you an edge at the poker table.
The unobservant boost
Players may not always notice when you are almost all-in, which can work to your advantage. By creating confusion or misdirection, you may induce opponents to make mistakes or assumptions that benefit you. However, it is important to maintain ethical standards and ensure that all players are aware of the situation to avoid any misunderstandings or unfair advantages.
Two examples
I shared two examples from my recent experience at the Barcelona tournament. In one instance, I almost went all-in with King Queen and managed to avoid revealing my hand prematurely, ultimately losing the hand. In another peculiar hand, I had King Queen again and pointed out to my opponent that I still had one big blind left. The hand took a bizarre turn, with my opponent exposing his hand before moving all-in, leading to a surprising outcome.
In conclusion, leaving one big blind behind preflop can offer strategic advantages that may not be immediately apparent. By leveraging the confusion factor and utilizing opponents’ misconceptions to your benefit, you can enhance your chances of success at the poker table. It is essential to consider the potential benefits of this play and incorporate it into your overall poker strategy for optimal results.