A. A play where you fold to a 3-bet
B. A play where you raise after one player raises and another calls, to put pressure on both opponents
C. A play where you check-raise the flop
D. A play where you limp-reraise pre-flop
Explanation: A squeeze play is when you raise after one player has raised and another player has called, to put pressure on both opponents. This can be an effective way to win the pot pre-flop, especially if the initial raiser and caller have weak ranges.
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What is a squeeze play, and when should you use it?

Correct Answer: B. A play where you raise after one player raises and another calls, to put pressure on both opponents (Correct)

Explanation:

A squeeze play is a strategic move in poker where you make a large re-raise (3-bet) after an initial raise and one or more calls. The idea is to put pressure on both the initial raiser and the callers, who are likely to have weaker hands since they did not re-raise themselves. This move exploits the likelihood that neither the raiser nor the callers have a very strong hand, allowing you to potentially win the pot pre-flop without seeing a flop.

Example to Illustrate the Concept:

Scenario:

  • Table Setup: A nine-player Texas Hold’em game.
  • You: Are in the cutoff position.
  • Initial Raiser: Raises to 3 big blinds from middle position.
  • Caller: Calls 3 big blinds from the hijack position.
  • Your Hand: A♣️ 10♠️

Squeeze Play in Action:

  1. Initial Action:
    • Middle Position: Raises to 3 big blinds.
    • Hijack Position: Calls 3 big blinds.
  2. Your Action:
    • Hand: A♣️ 10♠️
    • Decision: Re-raise (squeeze) to 12 big blinds.
  3. Purpose:
    • By making a large re-raise, you put significant pressure on both the initial raiser and the caller. The initial raiser needs a very strong hand to continue, and the caller often has a marginal hand that cannot withstand a large raise.

Practical Example:

  • Hand: A♣️ 10♠️
  • Position: Cutoff.
  • Action: Initial raiser raises to 3 big blinds from middle position. The hijack calls.

Squeeze Play:

  • Decision: Re-raise to 12 big blinds.
  • Reasoning: The initial raiser and the caller likely have a wide range of hands. By re-raising, you force them to either commit more chips with potentially weak hands or fold, allowing you to win the pot pre-flop.
    • Outcome 1: Both players fold.
      • Result: You win the pot without seeing a flop, earning 6.5 big blinds (initial raise + call + blinds).
    • Outcome 2: Only one player calls.
      • Result: You go to the flop with a stronger perceived range, having taken the initiative and put your opponent under pressure.

Alternative Example:

  • Hand: Q♠️ J♠️
  • Position: Button.
  • Action: Early position raises to 3 big blinds. Middle position calls.

Squeeze Play:

  • Decision: Re-raise to 13 big blinds.
  • Reasoning: You exploit the likelihood that both the initial raiser and the caller have weaker hands. By re-raising, you pressure them to fold or play a big pot out of position with a potentially inferior hand.
    • Outcome 1: Both players fold.
      • Result: You win the pot pre-flop.
    • Outcome 2: One player calls.
      • Result: You proceed to the flop with the initiative and a strong perceived range.

Conclusion:

A squeeze play is a powerful pre-flop move where you re-raise after an initial raise and one or more calls, putting pressure on both the raiser and the callers. This play exploits the likely weak ranges of your opponents, often resulting in winning the pot pre-flop without seeing a flop. It is particularly effective when you believe the initial raiser and callers do not have very strong hands and are likely to fold to a significant re-raise.

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