After the flop betting:These are going to be generalized thoughts because most everyone will have their own ideas of what to do now. And, besides, we may play against each other someday.
I always look forward to the exposure of the flop cards. I base my plans for the rest of this hand based on what I have at this point.
If I think I have a reasonable hand (or a great chance to draw a good hand), I will call a modest bet. If I'm in the starting position, I'll make a modest bet. A reasonable hand is subject to your judgement. My judgement depends on how many players have seen the flop, whether there are cards in the flop which (when paired with opponents cards) could beat my hand, and whether I've bluffed to see the flop.
For instance, if I called to see the flop and now have a set of three or two good pairs, I'll call or make a modest bet. If I have an inside straight or only one smallish pair, I will usually check/fold. Unless I bluffed to see the flop. Then I might make a continuation bet just to see who will call or raise.
If I have a 'made' hand after the flop (a full house, flush, four of a kind) I will generally bet, or raise, about one-third of the pot. If I get raised, I do some evaluation of the flopped cards. If it seems unlikely that anyone has made a hand stronger than mine, I'll simply call. The better to keep players in the pot. If it seems likely that my hand could be beat, I'll re-raise a modest amount to see how serious the raiser was. If he raises again, I'll just call and take my lumps if I lose.
One thing that I like to do is bluff at the pot. For one thing, it keeps everyone from anticipating what I will or won't do. For another thing, I win some nice smallish pots that way.
Always doing the same thing in similar circumstances will reduce your chances for a good pot and cause you to lose small pots that you shouldn't.
Except for you. You should always do things in a predictable manner when you play against me. That way I'll have a better chance of getting your chips before some other bloke does. You wouldn't want some stranger to pick your plate clean, would you?
