Finesse the Coin Flip
poker players sometimes find themselves in betting situations where their odds of winning (or losing) is 50/50 – typically in heads-up play. It’s call the “coin flip” because it could go either way. Say you have AK and your opponent is holding pocket Jacks – that’s a classic coin flip scenario. The Jacks are ahead, but are up against two over-cards.
The coin flip could put your entire stack, or a big portion of it, at risk. The 50 percent chance of winning (or losing) does not make good poker odds. Any savvy mathematician, investor or other type of risk taker would most likely shun this proposition when the stakes are high, and advise you to wait for a better opportunity.
But we can’t always avoid the coin flip situation, so the next best thing is figure out how to take charge when put on the spot. In the coin flip scenario, one poker online player typically goes all-in, challenging the other player to put a lot on the line. Presumably, the player is pushing all-in with cards that have a good chance to win, like a high pocket pair, AK or another face.
Whoever pushes first gains “fold equity” meaning a 100 percent chance of winning the pot because the opponent folds, and if the opponent calls, then a 50 percent change of winning anyway. A caller does not gain the fold equity advantage.
When faced with heads-up possibility, consider pushing your opponent into a coin flip decision. Fold equity always makes aggression a better strategy in these situations. When the tables are turned on you and you’re pushed into a coin flip, fold weak easily dominated cards and wait for a better opportunity.
