Do you remember back when we were children growing up, when there were many occasions in which we found ourselves in a state of nervousness, or even felt a sense of panic — fear.
We were scared! As we aged and gained experience, it was much easier to handle when something unexpected happened. Example: While walking across the road in a crosswalk, suddenly, a speeding car makes a left turn and you are in its path. Scary — but thankfully, you were able to jump aside to avoid a bad accident.
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A somewhat similar experience happens in poker, too. In this case, the dealer turns up a card that seriously threatens the health of your hand. We call that a “scare card.” When cards are dealt face-up as in Texas hold’em and other forms of poker, one (or more) may very well be a scare card.
Very simply, it’s a card that could substantially improve an opponent’s hand to shatter yours. But you cannot be sure. It happens so often. Second-best is no fun. Every poker player yearns to go home a winner.
Here’s an illustration to better explain what I’m talking about.
Playing limit hold’em, in a middle position, you were dealt pocket Kings — a strong made hand. You raised preflop to thin out the competition, giving your K-K a better chance to survive to win the pot.
The flop comes: Queen of hearts, 9 of diamonds and 2 of spades. Your over-pair, K-K, looks so good. You smile to yourself (to avoid tells) as you study the board and then take a quick peek of confirmation on your hole cards.
But then it happens. The turn is a big black Ace — a scare card! Knowing that hold’em players love to play any Ace, you have good reason to be concerned. You are fearful — yes, scared that an opponent has caught a pair of Aces, rendering your pocket Kings second-best with just two outs to improve to a set.
With eight opponents at the table, chances are that at least one has an Ace in the hole. Your pocket Kings is no match for a pair of Aces. But you cannot be certain.
An early-position opponent comes out betting. Now you have a tough decision. “Should I call his bet?” The wrong decision could cost you dearly. You announce “Time,” as you go into a huddle. There are several questions you need to ask yourself — and quickly answer as best you can:
• What kind of player is he?
You have been carefully observing your opponents for over an hour, so you have a good idea as to his playing traits. Check your notes just to be sure.
If he is a tight player, chances are he has the goods. Consider mucking your hand. I know it’s hard to give up with such a strong starting hand.
What if he is a deceptive player — one who is wont to bluff? Check your notes. If so, calling his bluff could make you some big money.
• Does he offer any tells?
Tells can give you clues — whether that Ace on the flop improved his hand. For example, covering his mouth and/or rubbing the back of his neck as the Ace was turned up, would suggest he is bluffing; call his bet.
Alternatively, if he suddenly stopped chatting with a friend standing behind him, that Ace most likely paired him up. That’s poker. Save your chips; fold.
• Did another opponent call his bet?
If one or more opponents calls his bet, it’s almost certain that at least one of them has caught the big pair, A-A. Or, perhaps another opponent was slow playing a set of Queens on the flop. One way or the other, chances are your pocket Kings are virtually “dead in the water.” Fold your hand.
• What if it’s just the two of you, and you don’t have any other information?
There may be cases — perhaps too often — when you have little information, such as that which we described above.
You just cannot be sure he has caught a pair of Aces. Your best guess is about 50-50. Now is the time to consider the pot odds. If they are more than even-money, cover his bet — and pray.