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Double Barreling
Some inexperienced poker players find that it is impossible to win pots when they miss a flop or are just unable to make any type of a hand. The key to winning these types of pots is firing bets on both the flop and the turn in order to take advantage of your opponent and win the hand. The time to make these types of bets is when your opponent has a vulnerable hand. The best time to double barrel is when you have only one opponent and you are able to isolate your opponent. Also, if your opponent comes over the top of your bets then in most cases you should fold your hand unless in the case of the double barreling with a draw scenario.
Double Barreling After Raising Preflop:
The first situation we will talk about is what to do if you are the original raiser pre flop. Some things to observe are how many chips do you have and what is your position on the table.
Let's say you raise from under the gun with a low pocket pair, for instance, while you have an average stack and get only one caller. If the flop brings an Ace, King, and 5 and you're holding a pair of sixes then this is a perfect time to try and take down the pot. Your initial flop bet should be around ½ to 2/3 of the pot. Making a bet of this amount will give your hand a lot of strength and you may even get your opponent to fold a weak ace.
If your opponent calls then the next card is crucial. If a face card hits then this is another good card for you to bluff at as your opponent could now put you on two pair or even a straight. This bet must be larger, but not too big as then your opponent will think you are just stealing. Make a bet that is 2/3 to ¾ of the pot. This bet still shows strength as it makes it look as if you want a call in order to build a larger pot.
Being in a late position while having the above circumstances just gives you even more power. If your opponent leads out then double barreling is out of the question while if they check then you are in complete control and can make the same bets as above in order to win the pot.
Double Barreling With a Draw:
If you are in late position with an open ended straight draw or a flush draw and your opponent checks to you then you are obligated to make a bet. Once again do not bet more than what is in the pot, but still bet over half of the pot. Missing your hand on the turn should not cause you to slow down especially if your opponent simply calls as he probably just has mid pair or may even be on a draw as well. The turn bet will truly confuse your opponent as they cannot put you on a draw.
This bet could be a little more than the pot as he will either fold his hand on the turn or call in the hopes of you checking it down on the river. The reason why betting more than what is in pot is good in this situation is that if you hit your draw on the river then you will win a huge hand and if you miss then this will give you another opportunity to win the hand due to your strength shown by the previous bet.
Double Barreling with Overcards on a Low Board:
Making a raise or calling a raise pre flop with two face cards gives you the opportunity to fire a bet on a low board. This bet on the flop is a strong play that many amateur players are afraid to make. In most cases, you will be able to take the pot down with a strong pot sized bet, but your opponent may call with a low pair or a draw. If the turn brings one of your face cards then you have put yourself in the perfect situation.
The bet on the turn should be at least the size of the pot as you will want to get your opponent off any type of draws and find out exactly where you are at in the hand. The hands to be careful with are KQ, KJ, K10 and other weak ace hands as your opponent could have you out kicked with a higher hand.
Double barreling can be strengthened by studying your table and having a good stack at the table. Most opponents will be afraid to come over the top if you have an intimidating stack at the table. Do not let your pride get the best of you and distract you from folding if they do happen to come over the top for a large raise.