poker school
lesson four: betting on the turn (fourth street)
In the last class we went over some fundamental principles dealing with betting after the flop, this lesson is going to cover some strategies of betting on the turn. Let's begin.
The turn card is the time for you to use the information you've learned on the flop. It also represents your first big opportunity to bet more, since the bets have doubled in this round make the draws pay to beat you. Once you make the decision to see the turn card, you must be certain in your mind of two things: what you need to win and what the odds of making it are. If you have made a top pair or two pair on the turn you should raise to protect your hand and make the players who are trying to make the draw pay. Another strategy to consider is to raise the bet on the turn if you have a medium strength hand with a chance of improving it on the river. Since you would be putting two big bets in the pot anyway, you can put it all in on the turn, giving the impression that you have a great hand and possibly win the pot right there. Because the bets have been doubled for this round of betting, a well timed fold will save you at least two big bets, perhaps more. On the other hand, a well timed raise may win the whole pot for you. If you believe you have the best hand after the fourth card is known, now is the time to make a bet or a raise. If you have learned that you are beaten, fold your hand.
That will conclude lesson four, thanks for joining us and hopefully this insight will further prepare you for our next lesson. We will be talking about the river and what to do when you get there.
good luck and enjoy your experiences at the poker tables
