No Limit Holdem Poker Strategy: Free Card

Free Card play is a strategy in No-Limit Holdem that Late Position players can employ to show strength while attemping to complete a good hand on the draw.

Here is an example of raising for a free card on the Flop, going for a Flush draw:

Your hand is 4♥ 3♥
Your opponent has 10♦ 9♦

The Flop: K♥ 9♥ 5♠

Since there are only two players left on the Flop and your opponent acts first, he is likely to bet with his pair of 9’s. You raise, and he will likely call.

Then comes the Turn: 8♣

Your opponent will likely check, because he will be cautious of your raise at the Flop which may have him thinking you have a K. Still, you have nothing yet and still need to catch the flush to have the winning hand.

If you have been observing your opponents throughout the game, and think he is weak enough to fold the middle pair, you should bet again as a semi-bluff. Otherwise, check and try for to complete your Flush on the River. That is why this is called a Free Card - you did not have to bet to see the River! And if you catch it on the Turn, you can bet after he checks.

This is especailly effective against passive players, but be sure to watch out for counter strategies used by aggressive players! I’ll be talking about such strategies in the next few days. So be sure to subscribe to my feed, newsletter, or Twitter!