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A hero call

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    The flop pairs Player B’s ace.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B checks.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  6. Flop · Pot: 18 chips

    Player A bets 6 with a weak hand.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 188 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  7. Flop · Pot: 24 chips

    Player B calls 6.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 188 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 188 · In this round 6
  8. Turn · Pot: 24 chips

    The turn is a seven.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)7 of hearts (7h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 188 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 188 · In this round 0
  9. Turn · Pot: 24 chips

    Player B checks.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)7 of hearts (7h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 188 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 188 · In this round 0
  10. Turn · Pot: 42 chips

    Player A bets 18, a large bet, again with nothing.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)7 of hearts (7h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 170 · In this round 18
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 188 · In this round 0
  11. Turn · Pot: 60 chips

    Player B calls with only a pair of aces and a good kicker. A call like this against a likely bluff is a hero call.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)9 of diamonds (9d)3 of clubs (3c)7 of hearts (7h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of diamonds (Kd)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 170 · In this round 18
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Jack of hearts (Jh) · Stack 170 · In this round 18

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

The hijack

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are posted. Players are shown clockwise from the button. Chip amounts are used throughout.

    • Player A BTN Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player B SB 7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB 10 of diamonds (Td)9 of spades (9s) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D UTG Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player E HJ Ace of spades (As)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player F CO 8 of hearts (8h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
  2. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The player under the gun folds.

    • Player A BTN Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player B SB 7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB 10 of diamonds (Td)9 of spades (9s) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D UTG Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 200 · In this round 0 · Folded
    • Player E HJ Ace of spades (As)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player F CO 8 of hearts (8h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
  3. Preflop · Pot: 9 chips

    Player E sits in the hijack, two seats to the right of the button. The hijack raises to 6.

    • Player A BTN Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player B SB 7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB 10 of diamonds (Td)9 of spades (9s) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D UTG Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 200 · In this round 0 · Folded
    • Player E HJ Ace of spades (As)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player F CO 8 of hearts (8h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 200 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

The flop hits

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    The king on the flop pairs Player A. We say that the flop hit him.

    Board: King of spades (Ks)7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

Hockey Sticks

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB 7 of hearts (7h)7 of diamonds (7d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 with a pair of sevens. Players call this hand Hockey Sticks.

    • Player A BTN / SB 7 of hearts (7h)7 of diamonds (7d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

Implied odds

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

Read the example transcript

Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    The flop gives Player B a flush draw and a straight draw.

    Board: 9 of hearts (9h)5 of clubs (5c)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B checks.

    Board: 9 of hearts (9h)5 of clubs (5c)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  6. Flop · Pot: 24 chips

    Player A bets 12 into the pot of 12.

    Board: 9 of hearts (9h)5 of clubs (5c)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 182 · In this round 12
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  7. Flop · Pot: 36 chips

    Player B calls. The price is a little high for the pot alone, but if a heart comes Player A may pay off a lot more chips. Those future bets are Player B’s implied odds.

    Board: 9 of hearts (9h)5 of clubs (5c)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB King of clubs (Kc)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 182 · In this round 12
    • Player B BB 7 of hearts (7h)6 of hearts (6h) · Stack 182 · In this round 12

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

To improve

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

Read the example transcript

Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player A has only ace high.

    Board: 9 of clubs (9c)6 of spades (6s)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B checks.

    Board: 9 of clubs (9c)6 of spades (6s)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  6. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player A checks.

    Board: 9 of clubs (9c)6 of spades (6s)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  7. Turn · Pot: 12 chips

    The king gives Player A a pair of kings. His hand has improved.

    Board: 9 of clubs (9c)6 of spades (6s)2 of diamonds (2d)King of spades (Ks)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

Inducing a bet

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 9 of diamonds (9d)9 of hearts (9h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 9 of diamonds (9d)9 of hearts (9h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 9 of diamonds (9d)9 of hearts (9h) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B flops a set of nines, a very strong hand.

    Board: 9 of spades (9s)6 of clubs (6c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 9 of diamonds (9d)9 of hearts (9h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B checks instead of betting, to induce a bet from Player A.

    Board: 9 of spades (9s)6 of clubs (6c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Jack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 9 of diamonds (9d)9 of hearts (9h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

An inside straight draw

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

Read the example transcript

Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Ace of diamonds (Ad) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Ace of diamonds (Ad) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Ace of diamonds (Ad) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player A has nine and eight. Only a ten completes the straight, so this is an inside straight draw.

    Board: Jack of clubs (Jc)Queen of spades (Qs)4 of diamonds (4d)

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB Ace of clubs (Ac)Ace of diamonds (Ad) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

Isolating a limper

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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Player A has the button (BTN). Player B posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player C posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Four players are dealt in.

    • Player A BTN Ace of diamonds (Ad)Queen of clubs (Qc) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player B SB 7 of spades (7s)4 of clubs (4c) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB Jack of hearts (Jh)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D 9 of clubs (9c)9 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
  2. Preflop · Pot: 5 chips

    The player on the cutoff limps, calling the big blind of 2.

    • Player A BTN Ace of diamonds (Ad)Queen of clubs (Qc) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
    • Player B SB 7 of spades (7s)4 of clubs (4c) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB Jack of hearts (Jh)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D 9 of clubs (9c)9 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 13 chips

    Player A on the button raises to 8 to isolate the limper. The raise aims to play against only one opponent, with the best hand.

    • Player A BTN Ace of diamonds (Ad)Queen of clubs (Qc) · Stack 192 · In this round 8
    • Player B SB 7 of spades (7s)4 of clubs (4c) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player C BB Jack of hearts (Jh)8 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
    • Player D 9 of clubs (9c)9 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

Jack Benny

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

Read the example transcript

Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)3 of diamonds (3d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 with nine and three. Players call this hand Jack Benny.

    • Player A BTN / SB 9 of hearts (9h)3 of diamonds (3d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.