[lork]

I heard this term the other day. I think it is as simple as its name that it is a bet acting first that will make your opponent call instead of raising big. Can anyone please elaborate and explain me when this should be used.

[easyguy]

unaware of the term, though it seems interesting...

I bet first to counter your next bet/raise...

I do this, I think, dependent upon position...

Big bet preflop, you call, have good cards:

[As Ks]

flop:

[Qs Th 9s]

You hit nothing, but have a decent draw. Position very important.

you can 'block bet' here, or not.

preflop raiser bets medium, or, you check into medium bet...

Turn:
2h

No help, call next bet, or 'block bet' on your dwindling draw...

Seems to me 'block betting' is a drawing strategy, or not at all...

[arcfinn]

It is my understanding that a block bet is the following.

You flopped top set. You bet, person calls. Turn comes nothing that could help a draw. You bet, person calls. River comes a card that could complete a flush. Did this person suck out on you with bad odds? You don't know, but you certainly don't want to fold your top set to a good bet on the river. So you bet again, but an amount that looks like you are "begging" for a call (you are, but not because you have the flush, but because you don't want the other person to raise). Unless he has the nut flush, or some balls of steel, he'll just call your bet again (or maybe fold). This stops you from having to fold a decent hand on the river when someone could bluff to represent a powerful hand.

[chris]

Game: No Limit, perhaps Pot Limit too

When: Flop, turn, or River

Where: Out of position. First or second to act

What: A smaller than "normal" bet. Anywhere from the minimum to 1/3 the pot or so.

Why:
1. Prevents showing the 'weakness' that a check would, hence prevents opponent from bluffing you out.
2. Outside chance of winning the pot right there
3. Gain information that checking will not.

Problem: Too often people do it only out of weakness, uncertainty, or a draw. So it screams "raise me and I'll fold". So you have to bet strong hands (even the nuts) this way once in awhile, or an observant player will run over you.

[lork]

Cool..I think this is the info I need.thanks guys.