Feb 11
12
Drawing dead is a term that indicates when no matter what card falls, your hand cannot win. This is a powerful concept, so it is valuable to examine it from both sides of the coin; when you are causing others to play a dead hand, and when you are the one drawing dead. It is important to recognize both of these sides of the concept so that you can use this to your advantage.
Playing an unbeatable hand, often referred to as having the “nuts,” is a great feeling. No matter what anyone does, you will win the pot. Therefore, you want the pot to be as large as possible. So, for example, if you think your opponent is on a draw, it is important to make them pay to see the rest of their hand. This is important for two reasons: one, if your opponent makes their hand you can probably get them to move all in on you, and two, if your opponent does not make their hand, you will not be able to get any more out of them on the river. This bet against a hand drawing dead makes their drawing hand pay you off as much as possible regardless of the actual outcome of their hand.
How do you prevent this from happening to you at FullTiltpoker.net? For one, always be aware of what is on the board. Many people will slow-play the nuts. If someone is just checking and calling large bets quickly, this is a sure sign that your opponent has you beat. Be careful against moving all in when you have a big hand, but not the best hand if there is any suspicious activity from your opponents.