The Min-Raise Open

[TylerDurden]

Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but I'm curious to hear some thoughts on the min-raise open which seems to be trending more and more recently, particularly in the Zoom games. I don't remember this from Rush, and I'm curious both what the advantages/disadvantages are to this 2x open (as opposed to the 'standard' 3x open), and how we can expect our opponents to adjust to this?

Also wondering if an opponent implementing this strategy should change our 3betting tendencies/sizing, our flatting ranges, and really any other discussion on how this fits into our overall strategy?

[robbyd86]

I used to do that in Rush b/c so many ppl just click "fast fold". I just started watching the new "Adam001" vid and he min raises from everywhere. Probably worth a watch

[TylerDurden]

Yeah I noticed aejones does this in all his zoom vids as well, which he briefly mentions but never really elaborated on. Theoretically I would think this should widen villain's flatting range as they're getting better odds to call though, but I guess the fold equity from the fast-fold feature certainly could make up for these increased odds you instantly give your opponents while minimizing your exposure to 3bets, etc.

I've experimented some in a standard 6max game and ppl tend to freak out. I find I get 3bet and squeezed more sometimes vs regs, which mathematically makes no sense as there is just less dead money in the pot. I don't know if they just perceive this to be fishy/weak and they want to isolate that or what?

Seems like this could def be used to our advantage, I just find myself in some awkward spots post flop because of this where I sort of lose track of what villain's range is.

[luckychewy]

i dont think its as good for zoom or ring games in general but i havent played enough to determine if im wrong or not. for tournaments however increasing pot to stack ratio and minimizing the chance of busting makes much more sense. specifically, running a bluff for stacks is less of a good idea in tournaments because of the loss endured when called as opposed to the value gained in chips won when they fold. the crux of this difference is that in cash game you're playing strictly to make the most chips which is equal to money where as in tourneys chips and money are not equivalent. by minraising you dont set up situations where this is an option as much, although overbetting is always an option. the root of this is imo that tournaments favor exploitative approaches whereas zoom is much tougher with more thinking opponents and as a result favors a much more aggressive/optimal style of play.