Turn poker strategy

Most strategies are built around pre-flop and river situations, neglecting the turn which is equally important. The turn card is on the table so what to do next? You can find yourself in one of the next situations: you have a strong hand, you went for a bluff, you have a medium hand or you called for a draw but you missed.

Having a strong hand is the best possible situation after turn. Your main objective is to get as much money as possible from your opponent. To do that you should check or bet a medium amount for your opponent to call easily. If he rise or places a large bet call only if you think the cards are on your side.

If you went for a bluff is better to check and let your opponent to make the first move. This way you can see how strong is his hand. If he places a bet is better to fold. The river will probably come with another round of bets so you could lose too much money.

Having a medium hand leaves you two choices: to try and improve your hand on the river or to fold it. To make the right decision you must try and guess your opponent’ hand strength. If the other player seems to have a weaker hand you should go for the river.

If you suspect he has a better hand, but the bet is rather small you can call it. You might get lucky on the river. It’s useless to say that if he has good cards and makes a large bet, you should fold without any remorse.

If the turn didn’t improve your hand so you practically have nothing, check and call small bets trying to see the river with no other costs or at least with decent losses. You should also check your odds and fold instantly if your chances to win the hand are too small