When Poker Hands Don't Go as Planned

Upswing Poker
12 Sep 2025
Intermediate
This material is for medium-skilled players
Hand Review

Uri Peleg reviews a queen-seven small blind hand that goes wrong. The analysis covers pre-flop stealing, flop continuation betting, turn sizing mistakes, and getting raised. Learn why thinking in ranges beats hand-focused play and when to recognize your plan isn't working.

Focus on ranges over specific hands. Small bet flops require big turn bets. Recognize when opponents change the script and adjust quickly.

Strategic Adjustments When Plans Change:

  • Stealing gone wrong - Q7o small blind raise gets called, forcing range-based adjustments instead of simple blind theft
  • Range over hand thinking - Wide opening range versus tight defending range requires more checking, not aggressive betting
  • Turn sizing errors - 400 into 750 bet doesn't fit proper polarized structure after small flop c-bet on brick turns
  • Value catcher concept - River two-pair beats some value bets, making the hand theoretically unfoldable despite massive sizing
  • Exploitative awareness - Non-standard sizing requires conscious exploitation against passive players, not default strategy
  • Recognition matters - Like changing date plans during a storm, recognize when poker hands deviate from expectations and adjust immediately
  • Queens example - Top hands become clear folds when facing multiple re-raises, showing importance of reading changing dynamics
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