An important poker tip is to keep an eye on the precise size of the stack sizes at any on line poker table. If you are paying attention, you will be able to tell when your opponents are likely to go all-in and how this will impact future betting. This is particularly important at an on line poker table where No-Limit Texas Hold’em is being played. Most on line poker sites use the Half Bet Rule. This means that if a player goes all-in for at least 50% of the amount required to raise, it reopens the betting for the initial better.
Consider the following scenario. You are playing £2/£4 blind No-Limit Texas Hold’em. The player in first position bets out £10 and the player in second position goes all-in for £15. Under the Half Bet Rule, the £15 all-in wager is considered a raise because it is at least 50% of the amount required for a true raise. This reopens the betting for the initial better, who will now have the option to re-raise any amount of £10 or more. Since he bet initially, there is a good chance this player will re-raise. You need to strongly consider this before you even call the £15 all-in.
Being aware of this rule can keep you out of trouble, but it can also be used to your advantage. Consider a scenario where you are in first position in a £2/£4 No-Limit Texas Hold’em game and you have flopped middle set. The player to your left is on the short stack with £15, so the correct play is to bet £10, hoping that the short stack will go all-in and re-open the betting for you.
Remember, not every on line poker site uses the Half Bet Rule as it is laid out here. In addition, some on line poker tables have different rules for Limit play and No-Limit play, so don’t make assumptions and check the rulebook before you play.
