Da Boss Poker

The Baluga Theorem is a useful theorem that states, “You should strongly re-evaluate the strength of one-pair hands in the face of a raise on the turn.”

Let us say you got an A of heart, King of diamonds. You will be the first one to act so you went to call a raise of 4BB. The flop comes out A heart, 9 spades, 3 diamonds. That sounds good so you topped it up to 8BBs.

The turn reveals A heart, 9 spades, 3 diamons, and 7 spades. The 7 spades looks harmless but it also brings into the equation the potential for a flush or a straight. You pushed for a ¾ of pot bet but your opponent raises. What should you do?

The situation is very tricky. You have a top pair but what does the other player got? Most of the time it will be best to fold our hand. Ask yourself why would the other player raise after a turn if he has anything that is less than a top pair?

Most likely he has some strong cards. A turn raise is a display of strength. This looks like a very awkward situation but folding will really be the best move for most of the time.

Calling will most likely be a losing game. If you call on the turn then the river is revealed, your opponent will most likely call and you will end up closing your eyes and hope for the best. That will not be a very good strategy.