Min Raising / Blocker Bets

Figured it was time i did one of these.

So, im playing an MTT right now, blinds are at 50/100, and im sat with 7k.

I just got dealt Ah Jd in mid position. I have everyone covered who is left to act behind me.

Now, there are many ways to play AJ. Most people will raise, some fold, some limp.

I was contemplating limping when i decided to minimum raise for some reason.

My thinking behind it was to show some kind of stregnth in the hand, try and stop the pot getting too large prelfop, minimizing the amount id have to continuation bet on a weak flop, and it gives me a chance at a free 150 without seeing any action.

My thought is at first - when and where did i start using this play? I hardly ever min raise, now, all of a sudden, im using it without thinking about doing it. Im not doing it out of habit, its a preplanned move and my reasons for doing it are clear. Im just unsure as to when i started doing it!

I believe its something to do with NDN, im sure he does it alot more than me, and from discussions i may have picked it up without realising it.


Blocker bets are the same in principle. Your betting, to stop the pot getting too big. Sounds kinda ironic and stupid when you type it, but betting stops others betting, its harder to raise as much or reraise a bet that looks strong, and your keeping pots that you need to be small, small.

Its alot easier to chase 15 outs for 300 when you have 4k, than 900 when u have 4k. It also eliminates the chances of being busted on the hand, you leave yourself alot mroe fold equity.




Anyone got any thoughts?

Its playing small ball. And i only do it when i am utg +1 or 2....it is a lot easier to fold if someone shove after you!......its a good move and it will get ran over in the cash table but in a mtt it is a good play, deff. make moves like this around the bubble and later in a mtt.

Be careful of who you attempt to make a blocking bet against. Highly skilled aggressive players will pick up on it and make a huge raise over it. So use only against passive/not very skilled players.

The logic behind the play seems simple enough, but i wouldnt advise doing this against too many loose agressive players as they see minimal raising as a form of weakness. However if you find yourself in this scenario, with alot of loose agressive players a minimal raise can mask a really good hand like aa,kk or a made flop. If they are constantly reraising the minimal raiser, then this is a good way to capitalize on a bad play by the loose agressive guy, if your hand holds strong!