Joined: May '13
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 2219
I am having a really big problem with these players who limp in with 22-99 when I have QQ-AA and even with a 3x raise they always call and hit more then they should. I have been losing a lot to these whereas it happens for me once in a blue moon(They don't raise enough so calling is a good call)
Should I be more aggressive with my raises when there is limpers? Like maybe 5-7x more or something..
Joined: May '11
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 58 (M)
Posts: 1372
I usually 3X plus one BB for each limper. eg. if I'm holding AA or KK and there are three limpers I'll 6X it. That will more often than not get at least two of the limpers out of the hand. It doesn't guarantee a fold but at least you're charging them to take a look.
As for you only hitting once in a blue moon and the other limpers often hitting, on an individual basis they are only hitting once in a blue moon as well.
I do this myself with small pocket pairs, hoping to hit a set on the flop. It works well with aggressive opponents, that give away their stack by raising each street with TPTK, when you've hit your set.
I used to open raise small pocket pairs (which seems to be the most recommended play), but this mostly just takes the blinds, and maybe one called bet. Probably this works better at higher levels.
As for defending against it, I do what Zeroster said. Don't just start open raising 6X or more, without limpers, because you'll have to win a lot of blinds to pay for that (a mistake I see a lot, and really paints a target on the back of the player doing this IMO).
I suppose when you have trouble defending against it, you may overplay TPTK or 2 pair types of hands, with too much aggression. C-betting is fine, but try to keep the pot small, if your hand does not improve on later streets.
Set mining can be very profitable with the right opponents, because it's so well hidden, on a dry board.
Note that you'll end up losing the hand often, when your opponent hits his set. It's just that you should try to limit how much you lose when this happens...
Joined: Nov '12
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 4675
G'day mate
I must agree with both of the above post. I would strongly suggest controlling the pot and always make the limpers pay. I hate weak arse limpers who call to much and keep sucking out on me. Make them pay as often as you can and hope to extract all their chips. Wishing you all the best. be cool
Joined: May '08
Location: Germany
Age: 59 (M)
Posts: 6786
The general rule is to raise as the first one in to 3-4 BB with one additional BB for every limper. If you still get to many callers with that type of play at your tables, you have to raise higher.
Joined: Feb '12
Location: Canada
Age: 64 (M)
Posts: 6036
Mostly,.... I prefer getting in on the hand and have a peek of the flop possibly as cheap as possible with any hand,...but in keeping in character of appearing to be a complete clod at poker whom the sharks just LOVE to aggress against,...I like limpin' with monsters,... You have many more options,...you can fold,...you can call,...you can raise,...or just when some shark at the table tosses out a huge bet and clears the table....
.... < BAM...! BIG re-raise and just continue to aggress re-raises or shove to the death.....
Joined: Feb '11
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 59 (M)
Posts: 5712
This is one of those poker 'etiquette' scenarios, where we all recognise what is identified as standard good play, ie 3 x BB as opening raise with an additional BB for each limper; yet the person calling is gambling. They don't pay much attention to the odds on offer but simply see there may be a chance to win a decent sized pot with a decentish (but by no means a winner at that time) hand. Sometimes (though not often ) their call will win them something. Wrong decisions at the right time often leads to wins in poker.
Joined: May '13
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 2219
Posted by damosk: This is one of those poker 'etiquette' scenarios, where we all recognise what is identified as standard good play, ie 3 x BB as opening raise with an additional BB for each limper; yet the person calling is gambling. They don't pay much attention to the odds on offer but simply see there may be a chance to win a decent sized pot with a decentish (but by no means a winner at that time) hand. Sometimes (though not often ) their call will win them something. Wrong decisions at the right time often leads to wins in poker.
Yeah usually when someone has a hand which has them beaten PF most times but we all love those action hands, right?
Joined: Nov '12
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 4675
G'day mates
Yes we all love to take advantage on them idiots who play that trash and lose to us. We all freaking hate it with a passion when the idiots suck out a win against us with their starting trash. You know what I mean. wishing you all the very best. be cool
< BAM...! BIG re-raise and just continue to aggress re-raises or shove to the death.....
