How to play the turn

 

There’s certainly a very solid reason why the turn is called the “turn” to begin with. Its is the turning point of every poker hand. That is when the eventual vinner of the pot is decided, and that is when he/she finds out just how much money there will be in the pot.

With that in mind, it’s quite obvious why it is so important that you brush up on your turn playing skills.

The two most important moments in a poker hand are: the flop and the turn.

 

The flop gives you the most information, pot-odds-wise, while the turn will largely defines the amount of money you (or the winner of the hand) will end up taking. That is why, you should always view the turn as a “make or break” decision.

 

If you have the nuts, (nut flush or another monster) the turn is the moment you need to make a decisive move. Check raise your opponent(s) or simply bet into him/them in order to have them pot-committed. Don’t leave this move for the river, because you’ll lose out on value.

Like so many things in poker, this pot-committing thing is easier said than accomplished. There are a whole bunch of questions that are raised when you get about actually doing it. In order to be able to answer at least some of those questions, you will have to have a thorough understanding of the opponent you’re facing and his style of play. That’ll help you figure out whether he’s aggressive enough to check to on the turn (handing him the noose he can hang himself with) or he requires more radical action.

Is this guy just crazy enough to bet out on the river? What do your nuts tell you? Can you afford to give him another card? All questions you will have to answer one way or the other.

 

If you’re on a marginal hand, the turn might the point you’ll seriously have to consider whether you want to take it any further.

If hands are made or broken on the flop, money is certainly made or blown on the turn.