When to Bet the Turn

Upswing Poker Level-Up

You've bet on the flop and your opponent called. The turn comes and you're mulling over whether or not to bet again. This episode will help you arrive at the right decision regardless of the specific board and your specific hand.

This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up is meant to help you get better at double barreling, aka c-betting on the turn, aka betting on the turn after raising preflop and betting on the flop.

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Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Double Barreling

03:36 Double Barreling on Connected Boards

06:22 Optimal Bet Sizing Strategies

09:12 The Power of Overbets

11:09 Double Barreling on Paired Boards

13:12 Blockers vs. Unblockers

15:19 Managing Double Barreling with Low Equity Hands

17:45 Bet Sizing on Uncoordinated Boards

21:00 Tips for Effective Double Barreling

In this insightful episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the nuances of double barreling—firing that crucial second bet on the turn. Whether you're unsure when to follow through after a continuation bet on the flop or curious about how to best bluff on various board textures, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to mastering turn play.

The podcast begins by breaking down the two main types of turn bluffs: equity-driven bluffs and blocker-driven bluffs. Mike and Gary discuss how to identify the best hands to bluff with on the turn, explaining why some hands with minimal equity but strong blockers are still excellent candidates for bluffing. They also explore how to choose the right bluffs depending on the board texture, emphasizing the importance of understanding your opponent’s range and how it interacts with your own.

Listeners will learn the strategic differences in approaching double barreling on connected versus uncoordinated boards. The hosts highlight the power of overbets, explaining when and why to use larger bet sizes to apply maximum pressure on your opponent. By leveraging equity and range advantages, players can force difficult decisions and extract more value from their strong hands while maximizing the effectiveness of their bluffs.

As the episode progresses, the discussion shifts to boards with few or no natural bluffs, such as paired boards. Gary offers insights into how to use blockers and unblockers to select the right hands for double barreling in these spots, providing a deeper understanding of how solvers guide these decisions. This segment is particularly valuable for players looking to refine their turn strategy and avoid common pitfalls.

The episode wraps up with practical tips for determining your betting strategy on the turn, stressing the importance of aligning your bet sizing with your overall range. Whether you're dealing with a middling hand or complete air, the key is to think critically about how your hand fits into your broader game plan.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast for an in-depth look at double barreling, complete with actionable advice that can help you enhance your turn play and gain an edge over your opponents. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will elevate your poker game.