Donk Betting/ Leading out on Turn Out of Position in Tournaments

So I've read in books that "If you find someone who Donk Bets, It's Generally the sign of a Weak Player" The Raiser's Edge, I believe is where i found that quote and I've also read articles from online experts about how because most players generally do not know how to react to it, it should be done with some frequency.

My opinion? I tend to agree with the latter, but it depends. I personally only lead the betting OOP for two reasons: 1. I had the betting lead pre-flop, and was called down by player(s) IP. 2. The Flop (Turn too, sometimes) is very dry, or has an ace, where you believe you could represent. If these two things happen in the same hand, then i will at least 75% of the time donk bet. If only one happens, maybe 50% of the time I will donk bet.

Notes: These suggestions are only for Tournament (SnG included) style play.

Donk bets as semi-bluffs are strong bets, because they allow you to: Gain information on your opponents' holding, give you another alley of winning (him folding), and might give you odds to see another card.

DO NOT tend to donk bet middle pairs/medium strength holdings.

Try to avoid donk bettings LAG types or maniacs, simply put, they'll shut you up real fast.

Do NOT donk bet as a bluff if it pot commits you.

DONK bet often on Check-Check flops where a brick hits the turn.

DONK bet between 2/3, 3/4 of the pot. You want to take it down generally right there on the spot.

FINAL NOTE These are my own opinions, I am not liable for your losses if you employ them and things do not work out. However, please do respond with any and all criticisms.

I bet out of turn a few times when I first started playing. I had a good hand and was eager to bet. Everyone pretty much read me as strong and steered clear. I have never tried it on purpose.

One thing i really like about leading OOP on the flop is that you can bet if you hit the flop hard, and depending on the players in position one of them might re-raise you using their "position". THis is one of my favourite plays in poker as then you can check the turn and they are forced to make large bet on the turn to get you off your hand and you can simply shove over the top and they cant call. (this strategy relies on you having something close to the nuts.)

Saying that more often then not i like to play passively when OOP on the flop. That way if your weak you can fold if people in the hand show strength, and if your strong depending on how they play before you, you can make ur mind up how to play to try and get max value out of your hand.

Basically i dont think there is a set way to play a hand OOP on the flop. My advice to you would be to pick a way you would like to play OOP post flop. Stick to out through thick and thin and get used to how people play back at you. After some time you will then be familar with how people react to your play and then you can adjust your strategy accordingly to get the upper hand on them. Obv everyone is diff and will react to you differently but in the long run this should give you a good understanding of how to react to people when you check OOP, which might even give you a better understanding of how to play when you bet OOP.

If you make a raise before flop, then it is indicated to do a c-bet after the flop, even if it doesn't help you the flop. But also you can't do that if there are more then 3 opponents that called your raise before flop. And if after you make the c-bet someone raise you, then you probably should fold. There are a lot more to discuss over the possibilities with this strategy. But is very interesting to know it.

Anyway this is a nice post.

i find when the player keeps betting high the have crap for hands

i agree they maybe tring to bet u out of hand

I am responding to drudge this thread back up. Respond on!

imo donk betting OP gives ur opponents more info then u gain but as prawney said make sure u have the nuts or close to it..

nice information and discussion, thanks for this.

I dont think its donk betting if u were the aggreser preflop and now betting first.

donk bets count almost only with luck......thats why i almost never call them......cause evry1 knows that the luckyer players r always the donks.......=PP...and dont come deffending donks...cause i hate donks' lovers too.......=PPPP

donk bets count almost only with luck......

but this tipy of luck makes me angry !!!

everyone is donkish

nobody who bets like a donkey never won a tournament.....

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Originally Posted by wwwrungood

I dont think its donk betting if u were the aggreser preflop and now betting first.

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No, that's a C-bet.

donk bet is only wen you not reiser ...........

In a MTT, playing out postion is a kiss of death. Short cash table is another story.

donk betting leads to donk losing in the long run

I hardly ever donk bet its a silly play and puts you in tricky spots if your opponent is even halve competent. I prefer to check raise with a balanced range of good hands, mediocre hands, and bluffs.

I agree with potfan42o donk betting leads to donk losing in the long run.

Yes. Check raising is much more effective. Most of the time if you have a good hand just check to the preflop raiser he will normally fire out a cbet then you have full freedom in the hand. By donk betting you run the risk of scaring your opponent away.

You cant beat donks when the are on a roll.

check raise is a fools play unless its the river. Never take the lead bettor out of the lead. Well thats old school logic and what doyle says but im old school as well and maybe why im not winning online LOL

Not if you balance your range well.

Good subject but in a PO game, it is a lot harder to apply since so many just play ATC.

oh the donk bet, how they can be oh so frustrating!

I think that all of us are or have been guilty of this from time to time. But just like bluffing, it is just another tool in thee arsenal of poker so use at your own disgretion

personally I don't think you learn much about what your opponent is holding by donk betting... because theres a wide variety of hands they could call behind you with like any pair, any straight draw, any flush draw, or they could think your bluffing and their original hand is still good.... so IMO the only information you learn is that they have 2 cards, which you didn't need to donk bet in order to find out.

i play like that sometimes it gets me no where

maybe it wos wek play before now becase of dat is god play nowbody belive you...

Basically i dont think there is a set way to play a hand OOP on the flop. My advice to you would be to pick a way you would like to play OOP post flop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wwwrungood

I dont think its donk betting if u were the aggreser preflop and now betting first.

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I agree with this statement. If you are the PFR and see a flop OOP, betting the flop is just a cbet. A donk bet would be if you limp-called, are OOP on the flop, and bet into the PFR.

That being said it's called donk betting because inexperienced players will often do this when they hit a flop. Typically this happens after limping from early-mid position. It shows a weak player, but it shows a strong hand. It's also completely predictable and allows a decent player in position to exploit the donk bet.

If you are a decent player and get caught calling OOP pre you can use the donk bet as a semi bluff to try and win a hand. I've done this a couple times against tight opponents when I get stuck OOP. It takes the initiative and aggression away from the player in position, and most players don't know how to react. Most players will end up folding, some will call and flop to a turn double barrell, and some may reraise you if they think you are bluffing or hold a monster. The later is rare. This tactic only works against thinking players. Don't bother with this against a LAG, maniac, or calling station.

Hello guys im new here...:D just posting for points

wen i donk bet just call becase im donk..

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Originally Posted by IonutSalam

Hello guys im new here...:D just posting for points

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At least you are honest.

shit happens but at least youre telling us up front

Early stage of a 30 people tournament. I get dealt 99 on the small blind. two players limp and I raise to 4BB. BB reraises me all in, the two fold, and I call because I thought he was trying to steal to see he's got AKo. An ace comes out on the turn and I'm eliminated. Was it a donk call?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GottImHimmel

FINAL NOTE These are my own opinions, I am not liable for your losses if you employ them and things do not work out. However, please do respond with any and all criticisms.

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HAHA, good right up, i agree w/alot of what u said, the quoted part had me rollin tho.