pattern for typical post flop scenario on 6max

[alias2211]

Since UB added 6max to their roster recently, I have put in about 5k hands. I really like it a lot, I have actually been waiting for them to add 6max for awhile now. One thing I picked up on nearly right away is this scenario, and I realize it's going to occur with enough regularity that I need to have a better awareness for it.
(keep in mind I have been 3x tabling $50NL @ UB for their full ring for the last 35k hands until the recent switch, so I'm a lot less experienced w/ heads up, relatively speaking):

SB for $.50
BB for $1.00

Next, one of the non-blind players will make a pot sized bet ($3.50) and one of the blinds will call, with all others folding, making it heads up for $7-8.

I have read quite a bit about continuation bets on FTR, and have noticed that if I am the agressor (non-blind player) in the above scenario, if there is a flop like Qh 8d 2d, I have been betting out the pot again ($8) and not just 1/2 or 3/4, regardless of what I hold. I have been getting really good results with it, too. I think it is the fact that, even at max buyin, by making that 2nd pot bet for continuation instead of just another $4, you're putting the player in the position of answering the following question: do I really want to play this hand for 12-13% of my stack (assuming they also bought in at max) ? Where this bet does NOT work is when the player is below, say, $30-40 where an all in reraise might happen. You have to take that possibility into consideration.

Part of me thinks that the reason this play has worked so well is that so many players who play $100NL buy in short and should really be playing lower stakes, and there is something about that $8 bet that is psychologically threatening to them, given that the same pot bet in $50NL would have been for around $4 instead (or $2 in $25NL). $4 isn't really that much in $100NL, so 1/2 pot bets just don't get people to get off their damn hands enough. All that does is juice the pot for them to hit their draw.

How do you guys deal w/ heads up in the above scenario? Of course cards matter, but I'm talking generally enough where I don't even really care about what you're holding. I'm looking for a general sensibility here. I feel like I've been in heads up pre-flop scenario enough to really take it seriously, so anything will help.

[Grand_MasterB]

ive found players pay more attention to how you play in 6 max more so then they do in a full ring game. If i get a hand or two where i make a continuation bet on a flop i actually hit and showdown a winner, or if the other player folds i will show it, you get some respect and then i continue making continuation bets.

However one scenario where 6 max players love to get you is you raise, a blind calls, and the flop comes something like 9,7,3. A good amount of the time they will check to you and if you make a continuation bet they raise you figuring you for only two high cards and thinking they can push you off. You just gotta watch wich players defend and wich players are quick to give up a flop.

[alias2211]

However one scenario where 6 max players love to get you is you raise, a blind calls, and the flop comes something like 9,7,3. A good amount of the time they will check to you and if you make a continuation bet they raise you figuring you for only two high cards and thinking they can push you off. You just gotta watch wich players defend and wich players are quick to give up a flop.

I have done just what you describe here before without really being aware of it in these exact terms. This is helpful, thank you. I will have to keep my eye out for this type of thing more often in the future.

[SmackinYaUp]

Yea, it gets really old getting checkraised when you play aggressive but keep those continuation bets coming - just make sure you aim them at the right players.

Where I play, I quit betting the whole size of the pot. I usually bet 2/3rds if its heads up and more if its multi way just to cut draws. If I make a $4 raise and get one caller with about $8 in the pot I'll usually just bet $6 now because its enough to get folds. If my AK or whatever hits, I still bet $6.

[alias2211]

Where I play, I quit betting the whole size of the pot. I usually bet 2/3rds if its heads up and more if its multi way just to cut draws. If I make a $4 raise and get one caller with about $8 in the pot I'll usually just bet $6 now because its enough to get folds. If my AK or whatever hits, I still bet $6.

I was hoping you'd weigh in here, Smackin. Can I ask why you quit w/ the pot sized bets? I think the HHs I've seen from you recently indicate $100NL, but correct me if I'm wrong w/ that assumption. I understand that you're still ruining odds for draws @ 2/3rds ($6), and that it's $2 less to do so. But I'm not sure that's enough for some reason. You and I both agree that $2 isn't much of a difference and shouldn't matter, but it still seems to matter to the players that have been folding. I'll be the first to admit that 5k hands isn't a sample size of high value, so if you want to call me on that, I can deal.

One thing I hadn't really considered was how to ramp up pressure between betting rounds. Say you bet pot for $8 and get that first call to take it to the turn, which is a blank (or at least doesn't appear to coordinate). Now you've got a $16 pot at which you'd really not like to bet $16 to get your point across. So I can see a definite advantage to leaving yourself a little room for turn bets, but I'm not sure you were really explicitly suggesting that I do that.

[SmackinYaUp]

Ok, a lot of times the size of my bet depends on the opponent. Many opponents are very ABC oriented and they will fold to a $6 bet most of the time - if they call or raise it means they have a hand and you better have one too. Some opponents seem to be more stubborn, refuse to fold, and require a bigger flop bet. It makes it harder for them to raise my whiffed AK with their pocket 2's. There are many other opponents out there and you just have to figure out what kind of bet it takes, and if its worth continuation betting at all. Some just absolutely refuse to believe you. Don't forget to change your play up at times, and don't forget that if you only bet full pot when you have a hand they might catch on.

Of course none of this is concrete, 100% of the time fitting advice, but its my general style.

If you don't think my bet size is enough then you should just quit poker now and take up golf. Just kidding! If you dont think my bet size is enough for your games or that it doesn't do the job, then go ahead and bet what you think is appropriate because it changes depending on the situation and # of people in the pot.

As far as saving room for turn bets I wouldn't worry about that because I usually give up after the flop if my overs miss and I have a caller. If you do have a hand like TPTK also remember that after the turn card is shown, your oponent's drawing odds are a little longer now, and another full pot bet isn't necessary - unless you want to.

I'm still a noob so don't take this as written law, but I think some of it makes sense. Good luck!

[ChezJ]

i think you are overthinking the rationale of your opponents. the simple fact of the matter is that in a heads up situation, 2/3 of the time your opponent will totally miss the flop. therefore, regardless of what you have, if you make a sizable bet on the flop, your opponent will have no choice but to fold. at a low limit table, i guarantee you he is not thinking in terms of chip stack percentages. also i don't think this is at all unique to 6max tables.

1/3 of the time, your opponent will call/raise you with a pair or a draw. at that point, you have to slow down and put him on a hand, especially if you yourself missed the flop. this is where having position on him really matters.

ChezJ