jb

Let's talk about stud this week. I want to talk about one particular hand, the three-card flush. I have known players that did not play it unless there was some high card strength also, but they are few. Most stud players will always call the bring-in with three cards to a flush. I tend to play it myself but I do have some restrictions. I never play it heads up to a High card that raises even if I have already called the bring-in. I want four or more callers before I call a cold raise. I also will not call if two of my suit are exposed. That leaves me eight outs for the flush.

The play on Fourth Street is really what I want to discuss here because on most streets, the play is pretty straightforward. I want to talk about the situation when 4th street misses, like Kc,4c,7c, Th. This is one of those hand usually misplayed by novices. Of all the possible situations involved in flush draws. This is the real loser. Even if few of you suit are showing this hand is a loser. As strong as the Kc,4c,7c, Th, 8c is. hand is, the 4th street hand is still a loser. I recommend mucking on Fourth Street to any bet. I do relax this requirement if the 4th street cards pairs up, like Kc,4c,7c, 7h. That does have winning possibilities. Of course I am always aware of the number of outs I have remaining, the number of exposed cards, and paired door cards. I really like to dump my busted flushes real early. Before, the turn in to a small two pair. If I do hit the four flush, I don't make many fancy moves. I want to keep as many players as possible in the pot, to pay off my flush if I hit. I might bet or raise from late position from late position to steal a free card on Fifth Street. I don't want to put in any more money in the pot until I have my flush and want the other players in when do.

Later in the hand, remain alert for paired door cards, and never call trips with a draw. Stay aware of your outs remaining and the odds of making your hand. If the pot odds drop below the draw odds, muck the hand. Never take the worst of it. When you make the flush, do what it takes to put the most money in the pot, bet, check raise, or just a smooth call.

GL
jb