The correct answer is RAISE. “Make it another $50″, I say. And here’s why:
Let’s say I call. That means there are SEVEN guys in the hand. Amateurs might say, “Oh, that means there’s more money in the pot.”
NO. WRONG. With seven players, I am virtually GUARANTEED to have my AK run down… because EVEN IF I catch a king or ace, there’s a good chance someone else will hit a flush, straight, trips, or two pair. And besides, CALLING doesn’t give me any idea where I stand in the hand, and it doesn’t allow me to know what to put my opponents on.
So, I make the pre-flop re-raise. The other players fold, and Drew calls. That means I know he has a real hand. He wasn’t just bullying the table. It also means he probably doesn’t have cowboys or rockets, because if he did he would’ve come back over the top of me, maybe with an all-in.
So, now I’ve got a read on my opponent, and I’ve forced out all the other guys, which means I don’t have to worry about someone getting “lucky” on the flop. AND, I’ve achieved something else here: I’ve taken control of the table. Instead of Drew coming out firing after the flop, he’ll probably check to me to see what I do. This gives me control. If I miss on the flop, I can do one of two things:
1. I can see a free card. Or.. 2. If I’m confident with my read on Drew I can try to buy him out by representing a big hand.
And sure enough…the flop hits: 9, 4, 2
What an UGLY flop, right? Actually, I kind of like this flop. Because I’m pretty sure Drew doesn’t have any of these cards on the board. He could be holding pocket 9’s, but I can’t put him on 4’s or 2’s, because of my strong re-raise before the flop.
I’m putting him on two over cards or a pair. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if he has Big Slick, just like me. Anyway, now it’s time to find out, because Drew taps his fist against the table and checks to me. Just like I expected. I COULD see a free card here, but I’d rather play this aggressively and find out EXACTLY where I’m at.
If Drew calls a strong bet from me, then he’s probably slow-playing trips. If that’s the case, I’ll back off after the turn card and minimize my losses. I throw out a $100 black chip with my ace high. Drew looks at his down cards for a few moments and then decides to muck his pocket 8’s for the world to see.
“Yea, I had kings”, I say as I turn my cards face down for NOBODY to see. Drew replies, “Yup, that’s what I put you on” and he nods his head. Little does he know, his 8’s had me beat, and I just stole a nice pot.