Play Some Limit Holdem Hands With Faldo – Answers

Remember, even though there is a right answer to this quiz, the reason I picked it out this quiz from a Rolf Slotboom CardPlayer Magazine article is because the advantage to the right answer is not overwhelming. But it is these correct decisions – added up over time – that increase your bankroll.

1. Your (QQ) figures to be best right now, but checking is the most profitable play here. Since the small blind already folded, a raise here will usually not get anyone out. A re-raise will give everyone an idea of what you hold, and make it easier for LittleRedElf, Beerhog and ThePunk75 to kick your butt post flop. By not raising, you do lose some information on what those guys hold, but staying a little secretive yourself in this situation, is the way to go. Check 55% - Raise 45%. Of course if these guys had folded and the weaker players were in – a raise is demanded. You got to play the table as well as your cards.

2. Folding here gives too much power to an aggressive raiser. You may be best right now and will have position on him after the flop. Calling is ok, but a raise will almost certainly drive the blinds out – unless they hold a monster - leaving you heads up, even if Mr. Aggressive re-raises. Fold 25% - Call 30% - Raise 45%

3. You would like to play heads up all evening against any non-NPP superstar, especially a limper from the cut-off spot. Even if you get re-raised from the blinds, that will define their hand. Your cards should be live and post flop play should be straight forward. Fold 30% - Call 30% - Raise 40%

4. Even though you have a good hand, it probably doesn’t rate any better than a coin flip against this good player’s hand. You have position, which helps. A re-raise will work against a weaker player, but save your money for a better situation. Fold 40% - Call 35% - Raise 25%

5. This one is really close. Some would claim you want to play heads up with position against a random hand. But the good players behind you may decide you are just isolating and pop it back if they have something. Calling will make you look weak and people will put you on the hand you actually have. Even if no one re-raises, you will be sandwiched between an aggressive player who will almost certainly bet the flop, and random hands who know you don’t’ have much. Not good either. Folding is slightly the better option. Fold 40% - Call 30% - Raise 30%

6. It would be hard for people to put you on the hand you have. If you bet out, a weaker hand (KQ) or (KJ) may pop it for you to drive out the draws for you. But if everyone calls, eight of the thirteen cards that can hit the board will scare you to death. A check – and everyone else checking – is almost suicide for you. You just gave everyone a free card to beat you. But what are the chances of that, knowing who is in seats 6 and 7? Play the table! One of those guys will bet, and a check-raise will probably earn you the pot. Bet 40% - Check raise 60%

By the way, in the real game, all the NPP players cashed – except Faldo – who lost a little at the table, but lost the rest of his money – and ego - to the waitresses.