Poker is a card game that brings together several players and has two different objectives depending on whether you play in a tournament or in a cash game. In the first case, each bettor fights to prance at the top of the rankings while in the second, players try to directly steal other people's money. Whatever the goal, participants need to play by opting for a type of bet and a profitable strategy to bluff or enhance their opponents and become winners in the long term. Several actions exist to play and win at poker, like the continuation bet and the donk bet. These are unfortunately moves that are often underestimated or misused at the tables, although they are now essential. What are each of them and how do they give you an advantage in poker? We propose to introduce them to you here, because when properly implemented, they are effective tools.
Continuation bet and donk bet: definition
As previously mentioned, these are betting actions to play poker. However, before using them, you must know the meaning of each of them and their importance at a poker table. The main distinction is made depending on whether or not one is the initial raiser or “original raiser” preflop.
Continuation bet definition:
It involves making a raise before the flop and continuing to bet on the flop. This type of bet allows you to put pressure on after the distribution of the first 3 cards. So what about the second?
Donk bet definition:
This strategy is also called “front betting”. In fact, the expression “donk bet” actually comes from “donkey” which means “donkey” and “bet” which means “bet” in French. This type of bet was once mocked by poker players, hence this pejorative term given to players who use it. However, having understood its usefulness, more and more bettors began to use it to play poker. What exactly does this consist of? Donk betting is practiced when you are not the last raiser and you take the initiative to bet, particularly on the flop. The donk bet and continuation bet are not only applicable to the flop but also to the turn and the river.
Donk bet and continuation bet: why?
Each of these types of bets is essential for playing poker. To use them well, players must understand the importance of each of them. In this regard, we reveal to you some valid reasons which justify the choice of the continuation bet and the donk bet during a poker game.
Why make a continuation bet?
You will need a lot of intelligence to play poker, and it is in this vein that you should use the continuation bet. In fact, it serves to thwart the opponent. To better understand, let's take the example of a player with a small lower pair on the board. When you opt for the continuation bet, you force him to fold. This type of bet is also used to make the difference when you and your opponent have not connected with the flop. You will therefore succeed in bluffing him to win the pot. What about donk betting?
Why Donk Bet?
Regarding the donk bet, it can be effective against an opponent who often opts for the continuation bet. Indeed, when on the flop out of position, you hit a top even or a max draw, you can exploit donk betting to set a price and get good odds. This type of bet also makes it possible to make weak hands believe that you have a stronger one.
Now it is appropriate to clarify how the two types of bets should be used when playing poker.
Continuation bet and donk bet: When?
You have to think carefully before making a donk bet, it is a much less common action than the continuation bet. Doing this at an inappropriate time can cost you a lot of tokens. Under what conditions should you then opt for the continuation bet and the donk bet?
When to make a continuation bet?
In addition to the mind, playing poker requires technique. Reason why, whatever the type of bet chosen, you must play on the profile of your opponents. This is even more valid in the cases of continuation bet and donk bet. Regarding the continuation bet, it is very effective when your opponent is very not aggressive. This type of poker bet therefore allows you to obtain the pot more easily. However, to play poker well and use the continuation bet well, you must avoid using this type of bet if your opponent calls too often or if you are playing against at least 3 players and you have not hit anything. The continuation bet frequency for a normal player is between 75% and 80%. Beyond that you can practice check raising more regularly because your opponent goes CBET too often with “air” (no draw or made hands). If you have a tracker like HM3 identifying these players will be easier for you.
When to donk bet?
The donk bet is a more complex “moove” than the continuation bet, it is important to clearly identify your spot and your opponent. The use of Donk bet is intended to be much less frequent. You can Donk Bet when you have connected well with the flop and you want to add value to your hand without giving your opponent the chance of a free card. In tournaments you can try to donk bet to steal the move when your opponent's range is not supposed to hit the flop and you cannot call CBET or perform a check raise if your depth does not allow it. not.
Continuation bet and donk bet: adapt!
It is important in poker to demonstrate adaptability but also surprise, the donk bet can surprise your opponents and steal valuable pots. Be careful, however, to identify your spots and not commit (be forced to play your all-in) when you attempt bluffs.
The continuation bet is often considered an essential weapon in poker, spotting opponents who abuse it is a source of opportunity, increasing your frequency of check raising or trapping aggressive players when you have hit by playing passively. Whatever happens, always think for yourself and don't perform an action automatically or without reason, that's how you will progress!
