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Playing the River in Limit Holdem
There are numerous facets of Limit Holdem that you will have to consider, but one of the most pertinent will be the river. The fact that most of the time you will end up in a showdown means knowing how to play the final card will be of the utmost importance.
The first and foremost is that when you play the river, it is almost never a good idea to fold, unless you are absolutely sure you are going to lose a lot of money. The fact is that if you have committed to the turn and made a bet, you have at least a decent chance of winning. Even if you were bluffing, folding at the river is not a good idea.
Part of your Limit Holdem strategy should also consider the kind of hand that you have. Suppose that you are holding a pair of Jacks and the river card gives you the set. Even if there is a scare card on the board, chances are high that you hold the best hand.
If a player before you makes a bet, you should call, because your hand is strong. If you are in middle position, and you sense that the Limit Holdem player on the button is tight, you might opt for a raise instead, and get him to fold as well. If on the other hand he is loose, and you are certain that the JJJ is the best hand, you can check, and try to get a raise from the last player to act.
Your objective of course, is to go for a re raise. However, if you are going to do this, your Limit Holdem strategy must ensure that you have the nuts. Make certain that your opponents missed their straight or flush draw.
A lot of Limit Holdem players tend to get too nervous when playing the river, but the fact is that if you have a strong hand, you should feel free to play the river well. After all, you do not have to worry about a draw coming out to beat your hand.
Too many Limit Holdem players focus on the pre flop and post flop plays, thinking that that is where the game will be decided. However the fact is that most of the time, it will come down to the final card. Because of this, you should always make sure that you know how to play this card, as it will help you profit in the end.
