100bb Cash Game Postflop Plan: Building a Profitable Postflop Strategy
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This article systematically explains the core logic of postflop planning for 100 big blind depth cash games: how to adjust bet sizing and ranges based on position, board texture, and opponent type. It covers decision trees for the flop, turn, and river, helping players build a complete framework from continuation bets to river bluffs, avoiding common leaks.
Why Do You Need a Postflop Plan?
In standard 100 big blind (bb) cash games, postflop decisions often determine profitability. Compared to preflop, postflop introduces more variables: [board texture], opponent ranges, [bet sizing], and [position advantage] all need to be considered. Without a clear postflop plan, it's easy to fall into traps like passive calling or [overbluffing].
A solid postflop plan should include three core elements:
- Range Construction: Based on starting hands and flop type, allocate value hands, draws, and bluffs.
- [Bet Sizing]: Choose appropriate sizes based on board wetness and opponent range.
- Adjustment Mechanism: Dynamically adjust against different opponents (tight-aggressive, loose-passive, [regulars]).
Flop: Building the Foundation
Position is Key
- [In Position] (BTN/CO): Can be more aggressive with [continuation bets] ([c-bet]), as you have postflop control. Typically bet about 60-70% of flops, but adjust based on board texture.
- Out of Position (BB/SB): Reduce [bet frequency] to about 35-45%. Use more [check-raises] to balance and avoid being exploited.
Bet Sizing Selection
- [Dry Board] (e.g., K-7-2 rainbow): Use small sizing, about 1/3 pot. Your [range advantage] is large; small bets can force folds or cheap showdowns.
- [Wet Board] (e.g., 9-8-6 two-tone): Use larger sizing, about 2/3 pot or more. With many draws, you need to protect value and make draws pay.
- Dynamic Adjustment: If opponent folds too much to small bets, increase bluffing; if they call too loosely, reduce bluffs and increase [value bets].
[Continuation Bet] ([c-bet]) Range Example (Typical Scenario)
Assume you raise on BTN and BB calls. Flop is Q♥7♠2♣:
- [Value Bets]: Top pair or better (e.g., QJ+, 77+)
- Draw Bets: Backdoor straight draws (e.g., J-T), but usually not all draws.
- Bluff Bets: Complete [air] that missed the flop (e.g., A-5), combined with [backdoor draws] to increase bluff success.
Turn: Tighten Ranges, Make Precise Decisions
The turn is a critical juncture in the postflop plan. Many players make mistakes here, either continuing useless bluffs or giving up too late.
Impact of Turn Card Changes
- Blank Turn (e.g., flop Q-7-2, turn 4♥): Stick to the original plan, but reduce bluff frequency. Opponent's draws may have completed, or they may have a made hand and decide to call.
- Draw Completes (e.g., turn completes a flush or straight): If you haven't completed, abandon bluffs immediately. If you have completed, consider a [check-raise] or a large bet to take down the pot.
Value of Delay C-Bet
When out of position, sometimes checking the flop and betting the turn works better. This can:
- Make opponent think you gave up, induce a turn bet, then you raise to deny equity.
- Control pot size, avoiding being caught in a check-raise on the flop.
River: Final Balance of Value and Bluffs
The river is where value extraction and bluff performance happen. At 100bb, the pot is usually large by now, so every bet requires deep thought.
Value Bet Sizing
- Nut Value: Usually bet 2/3 pot to full pot, or even overbet, targeting opponent's potential disbelief.
- Medium Value (e.g., top pair weak kicker): Bet 1/3 pot to induce calls from worse hands.
Bluff Selection
- [Blockers]: Choose hands that block your opponent's strongest holdings. For example, on a straight board, holding a blocker to that straight (e.g., 89 on a 6-7-8 flop) increases bluff success.
- Failed Draws: When all draws miss, you can attack opponent's fold equity. But consider opponent tendencies – if they are a [calling station], don't bluff.
Key Points for [Bluff Catchers]
- When an opponent bets on the river, your hand needs reasonable bluff-catching value. Generally, a medium pair or weak pair without obvious blockers puts you in a tough spot. Most of the time, if the opponent's preflop range is tight, their river bet is more value-oriented, so you should fold.
Summary: Execution Tips
- Don't Be Formulaic: Every flop, every opponent is different; adjust your plan on the fly.
- Balance Check: Regularly review your postflop ranges to ensure a reasonable value-to-bluff ratio (generally about 2:1).
- [Emotional Control]: 100bb variance is moderate, but a few consecutive failed bluffs can lead to tilt. Stick to your plan and avoid deviations.
- Review: After each session, select a few key postflop hands and review whether you strictly followed the plan.
A good postflop plan is not a rigid set of rules but a framework for profitability. Through repeated practice, your postflop decisions will get closer to [GTO] while also exploiting opponent weaknesses.