Three-Connected
Like the three-suited flop, a three-connected flop can be dangerous, especially with
medium to high cards. An opponent could already have a straight, set, two pair, or a
strong draw. However, these flops add a lot of value to top pair or an overpair when
you also have a strong straight draw. Examples include either Q ♣ J
♦ or Q ♣ Q
♥ with
a flop of J
♥ T ♠ 9 ♣. You should almost always bet out in this type of situation and
generally raise if an opponent bets. If the pot is large, it may be difficult to drive out
opponents with these types of flops, so sometimes it is better to wait and raise the
turn to charge them a higher price for their draws.
Sometimes you might just call when the pot is small to keep the remaining
opponents in the hand with your draw. Remember however that these types of
draws are relatively weak, as there is a good chance of splitting the pot and your
straight could possibly lose to a higher straight.
When you don't have a straight draw, you should proceed with caution just like you
would with a three-suited flop. This is especially true when the flop has high cards.
Flops such as JT9 or T98 are very dangerous. There are too many hands that your
opponents would play that present problems for you. For example, if you hold AJ
with a JT9 flop, any K, Q, T, 9, 8, or 7 could present big problems. Even if you have
the best hand on the flop, there are many ways for you to be beaten on the turn or
river. In fact, with several players playing the hand, you probably are not the
favorite to win the hand even though you might currently have the best hand.
Against a lone opponent you should usually come out betting or raising. You do not
want your lone opponent to get a free card with these types of flops. With several
players in the hand, consider checking to see what develops behind you. especially
if your pair is vulnerable to overcards or your kicker is weak. You should usually
fold if you have to call a raise cold on the flop. If several players are paying a bet on
the flop and it is your turn to act, you might also go ahead and fold. If you call and
the turn card is favorable, you can then decide whether to raise or just continue to
call.
NEXT...All High Cards
