Checking it down-When is it good/bad?
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,587
In a tourney when one player is all-in with 2 callers, you usually see the other 2 check it down and people get all hurt when you don't do so. In general when is it wrong/right to do so? My short list that I thought of, please help add to/correct
Right time
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-Payout increase (3 people left, 2nd prize>>>>>>>3rd prize)
-Good player is AI
-Tiny pot
-No side pot
-Crap hand
Wrong time
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-Early in tourney (Payouts are a long way away)
-WSOP Bubble? (This year 2-3 people called an AI and one shoved flop with crap to abuse the bubble some more)
-Strong hand
-Bounty on AI/Bounty Tourney
-Side pot
-Big pot? (Is it wrong to narrow the hand to 2 with a semi-bluff/okay hand in order to get a chance at a big pot?)
-Not worried about AI player's staying in
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,993
Seems like a reasonable list.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,406
I'd always felt it was more a feel for how strong your own hand is. If you've got an overpair, 2pr, set, or better, why shouldn't you protect your hand and add value? Especially when the AI was shortstacked and basically ai with atc anyway.
On the other hand, if you've got A-high or K-high and everyone else is obviously weak, you've got to figh off the temptation to bluff and chase everyone else out. It just doesn't do any good (and may do youself harm) to isolate yourself against him with a marginal hand.
There've been a few times when I've had it out with others in a bar league I play sometimes. There is a general feeling among some that when someone is all-in, the only correct move is to check it down. The saying is "I check to the All-in", which is a not-so-hidden way of announcing you're going to check it down. Borderline collusion, imo.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 12,292
Not a bad list.
Basically, in a tournament there is only one real reason to check a pot down.
When getting the player in question 'out' of the tournament, is worth more than the pot in question.
PERIOD.
This usually means the final table.
If the pot represents a significant amount of chips that will greatly increase your chances for moving up in money (moreso than knocking the player out), then you should play for said pot.
But more often than not, knocking the player out is going to represent your best chance for moving up in money.
Also, in this scenario (playing for the pot), it means you absolutely have to have a MADE hand. Bluffing/semibluffing in this spot is beyond terrible as that is counter to the objective of moving up in money, i.e. your bluff actually works in favor of the person all-in.
Unfortunately, sooo many players screw this up at the final table LOL.
PS. Did PFAPFAP get banned or something????
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,587