Semi-bluffing at 25NL

[Chicago_Kid]

Evaluate this statement and provide situational context:

I see very little reason to make big bluffs or push thin edges (e.g., semi-bluff) at 25NL, because (1) too many players can't lay down a hand (2) players won't call draws (str8/flush) enough when you hit.

[SteveO]

The statement contradicts itself.

Either your opponents are calling stations and can't get away from hands when your draw hits or they are not.

You are giving up too much by taking a semi-bluff out of your arsenal. First, it causes some confsion/deception which is still valuable at even $25 NL. More importantly, it is a pot sweetner. Say you have AKs and flop is all low w/ 2 of your suit. You are a mathmatical favorite to win at showdown on river so it is -EV to fold so semi-bluff to build the pot.

I would note that you have to be selective in when you semibluff and limit it to when you have a good combo draw like a pair/OESD or 2 overs and big flush draw, OESFD and such. Semi-bluff w/ A high or 2 overs is not so great.

[Vrax]

That's too general starement.

It's fine to represent hand you don't have, if you know your opponent and make reliable notes.

On 25NL and 50NL I see a lot of regulars who fold too darn much and don't bother to improbe their game. Their nittiness is not so hard to exploit and with some reads you may win extra pots here and there.

[Thee One]

Value-bet anything where you're a favorite. Call when you think you can suck out and stack. These are the rules of 25NL.

[martindcx1e]

The statement contradicts itself.

lol for real op pretty much said don't do it because
a) they call too much
b) they fold too much

[spoonitnow]

I check-raise semibluff against c-bets a lot at 25nl/50nl, but I try to pick predictable opponents to do it to, and I choose the size of my raise so that I'll have a very clear fold or a very clear call if I get pushed over.

[Chopper]

I check-raise semibluff against c-bets a lot at 25nl/50nl, but I try to pick predictable opponents to do it to, and I choose the size of my raise so that I'll have a very clear fold or a very clear call if I get pushed over.

so, i'm guessing you are check-raising about 3X their raise to "test" them. and i assume its the chronic c-bettors that get this "treatment."

my question is: how can anyone defend your c/r of a cbet?

say hero has Ah Qd. you raise $1 pf in HJ. semi-aggro (spoon) on your right calls from ep. hero whiffs the flop of Jh 7c 4c. villain (spoon) checks. hero cbets to $1.75. villain (spoon) busts up a $4.50 raise.

how can you call that?

say the flop is 7c 7h 3s.

how can you call that, either?

w/o some draw to back you up, i dont see how you can call...even if you know aggro is coming for you.

advice?

[Chicago_Kid]

To follow up, I understand now that the statement was contradictory. Sorry for this weak question!

At the time of the post, I was feeling some frustration due to picking bad spots and general variance at 25NL. In several hands I was overestimating fold equity and getting plain unlucky in others. I appreciate the responses/discussion.