Online Poker - Lyve Games

A game of decision making, poker is not about how you win the pot but to take the correct decision. There are lots of ammunition in this game of card, and one of which is double barreling when it is required. In one hand double barreling is profitable to quickly pick the pot, and on the other hand, poor decision making to double barrel may result in a significant hit to your chip stack. 

 

Poker is a game where it is not always that best cards holder will only win the game but it can be won be aggression that compels the opponent to fold the best hand. The double barrel is a strategy or says a technique when you bluff or semi-bluff when you make a continuation bet on the flop, turn and sometimes on the river. A double barrel is a continuation bet even when you are connected with the board but you also assume your opponent has a weak or not connected hand, so you want to establish the strength.

What are double barrel boards?

Always remember you should double barrel only when your hold cards are good enough to gamble. For example, if you have a baby pocket pair, or say AJs, AK, pocket 9 or some relevant hands that you can play till the river, then only you should show your strength. The best boards for double barrel are dry flops such as rainbow flops with a higher card being a jack. You need to have so equity to do the barreling. It simply means you need to have overcards or on the turn or river, your hand has a significant chance to improve. 

Another tricky way to double barrel is when you read on your opponent's cards is Ace high and an overcard comes on the turn. The position plays an important part in barreling. For example, suppose your opponent has A7 and you have pocket 5. Now, you raise the pot, all other folds except big blind who calls with A7. The flop comes 7,10,8. You bet and your opponent calls. A Queen comes on the turn and you continue with your barreling. If your opponent has a queen or at least a 10, he will call, otherwise, he will fold. If your opponent calls, it means you beat already.

A paired board is always a good time to double barrel. It also serves a dual purpose; first, you steal the pot from your opponent and you get enough information about whether your opponent has made a trip on the flop. In this type of situation, the most important thing to read your opponent is bet sizing. Also, it is important that how good your read on your opponent. If your opponent is a loose aggressive player, he will call any pocket pairs or even an overpair if he believes you are bluffing. 

Why the position is important in double barreling?

As mentioned before your position is the most important thing to take a double barreling decision. Double barreling is effective in a heads up situation. Most of the time dry flops are likely to have missed both players. So, if you are in a position, and get a check on the flop, floating a double barrel is an effective strategy.

TIPS: There are players who are trap inducer. They limp with AK, pocket pairs, even with premium hands. So, if you get called on the turn, be alarmed. You might be re-raised on the river by your opponent. This is why bet sizing is so important aspect when you are bluffing, double barreling or betting for information.

Barreling against calling station

If you are playing against a calling station, barreling is not a good strategy. Double barreling is to steal the pot, and not to build the pot. You can only take the risk of double barreling against a calling station when you have a draw or overpair. In this situation, a delayed barreling is more effective than continuous bet. For example, you raise the pot, the calling station calls. The flop comes and continues to sell your story and obviously, your opponent will call. On the turn both checks and on the river, if you do not make the connection, make the delayed barreling. This will eliminate players who are playing for the draw or the calling the station who does not understand math and hoping to find his ?magical? the card on the streets.