When Do You Want The Smaller Field?

In the previous poker holdem betting installment, we discussed how you, as the player, may not want to chase the weaker players out of the pot when you are opening with a very strong two-card hand in a Hold'em game. More players often means more money in the pot at the end, especially if you have something that you know has a big chance of winning. However, there are times when you DO want a smaller field to play against. But that field must be primarily comprised of the weaker players.

With a very good hand, you want to watch what the other players do. We make mention of "weak" players. Obviously, all of this is conditional upon your ability to size up your opposition to evaluate who the better players are. If the weak players are in a pot, that's a good thing. But the stronger players are generally not going to do you a lot of good, because they're not going to be drawn in as much by what you do.

You do not particularly want those players involved, and they're smart enough not to BE involved if they don't have good cards, relative to the risk. And if you are in a situation where you are left with players not as good as you are, you are in a high percentage environment indeed.