There’s no doubt about it: Flopping a set is one of the most profitable scenarios in poker.

However, the way you play these flopped sets can significantly affect your overall profitability.

In this article, I am going to share 3 essential tips for playing your flopped sets effectively. I used the Lucid Poker Trainer to “discover” these tips, and I’ve included Lucid screenshots throughout this article to visualize the strategies.

Note: This is the second article I’ve written about playing flopped sets. This one focuses more on advanced solver-based strategies and how to implement them. If you haven’t already, you might want to check out the previous one How to Play Flopped Sets in 8 Common Situations.

Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Pay Attention to Flop Texture

Board texture is an important factor to consider when determining how to play your flopped set.

Boards can be categorized on a spectrum, ranging from extremely dry (think 9s 3c 3d) to soaking wet (think 9s 8s 7d).

Let’s break down how you should view fast-playing and slow-playing on the following three types of boards:

Dry Boards

These boards typically have few draws available and may contain disconnected cards (like Ks 7d 2h). On dry boards, you can often get away with slow-playing your set as there is not as much value to extract given the lack of draws present in the villain’s range. You can check and let your opponent connect or bet himself and you can check-raise him.

In the following example, I am using Lucid Poker to explore the GTO strategy for c-betting after opening in the Small Blind, the Big Blind calling, and the flop coming Kh 7d 2c:

You can see in the top right how the sets play overall (green = call). Look in the bottom right to see how specifically middle set (77) plays.

While the overall strategy is still very aggressive, we can see the Pocket Sevens (and other sets) check back around 10% of the time.

Wet Boards

Wet boards feature connected cards and/or flush draws (depending on the wetness of the board) that create multiple drawing possibilities (like 9c 6c 4d).

On wet boards, you should bet more aggressively to extract value from the many potential straight draws and flush draws. If you check, you’re giving your opponents a chance to see the turn card for free and potentially improve their hands. Make them pay!

Here’s another example using Lucid Poker, where we explore the GTO solution after open-raising on the Button, facing a call from the Big Blind, and the flop coming Td 8d 4c. 

Sets should be slow-played even less often on this flop (see top right) and middle set (88) literally never checks.

In this case, you should fast-play almost all of your sets, except for the top one (Pocket Tens). The reason why the solver checks with Tens at a low frequency is that it blocks a very large part of Big Blind’s bluff-catching range. But the lower sets are fast-played every single time.

Soaking Wet Boards

These boards already have made straights and/or flushes on them (like 9h 8h 6d or Ts 7s 5s).

Here, you should be a bit more cautious and consider the fact that your opponent may already have you beaten. For this reason, the value of your hand is significantly diminished and it gets closer toward a more medium-strength type of holding. Those types of hands should mix between aggressive and passive actions.

In this example, you’ve defended from the Big Blind against a Button open-raise and faced a 30% pot c-bet on Tc 7c 5c. Here’s what the GTO strategy looks like for the sets:

Sets slow way down on this flop, slow-playing over half the time

We can see that both Pocket Sevens and Pocket Fives prefer to check-call instead of check-raise (but they mix between both).

Understanding these textures will help you determine whether to slow-play your set or bet/raise aggressively for value.

Instantly Access Winning Strategies on Your Computer or Phone

 Become one with cutting-edge poker strategies inside the Lucid Poker Trainer. Practice your cash game skills and get pro-written feedback on every decision with the Daily Cardle quizzes. Gain access now!

Tip 2: Bet Sizing is Key

Effective bet sizing is essential when playing flopped sets. You want to maximize your winnings in a way that works well for your entire range.

Here are some guidelines on how to approach bet sizing based on board texture:

Protection Bet Boards

On dryer boards, most of your range will want to opt for a protection bet. These bets aim to deny the equity of hands that have overcards but are too weak to call while extracting value from a lot of non-made hands that are barely strong enough to defend.

To achieve this purpose, a 25-40% pot bet is optimal. This is the type of board that I used in the first example in the Big Blind vs Small Blind scenario (Kh 7d 2c).

Thick Value Bet Boards

If the board is wet but without any made straight or flush possible, you might consider a larger bet size (around 75-140% of the pot) to extract maximum value from your opponent’s draws and weaker made hands. They should even start folding some of their weaker draws such as gutshots without a backdoor flush draw.

This is the board from the second example (Td 8d 4c).

Pot Control Boards

When the board already has a made straight or flush, the value of your hand drops with the introduction of a new strong hand class (straight, flush, or both).

On these boards you should lean towards betting 25-75% of the pot or check-calling when you are out of position. This signals that you understand that your opponent also has a good amount of nutted hands in their range and you shouldn’t just pile in all your money with a (maybe second best) set.

This is the board that I used in the third example (Tc 7c 5c).

Tip 3: Pay Attention to Opponent Tendencies

Your ability to read your opponents and adjust your strategy accordingly is crucial in maximizing your winnings with flopped sets.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Aggressive vs. Passive Players

Against aggressive players, you can slow-play your sets to let them bet into you. By checking your set on the flop, you may induce a bluff or a value bet from their weaker hands at too high of a frequency. You should also consider just calling versus a bet to let them continue their aggression on future streets.

On the other hand, if you’re against passive players, you should be more direct. Make strong bets to extract value and do not expect them to do the betting for you.

Calling Station or Folding Station Players

Against calling stations, you should look to fast-play and bet larger for value as they are more keen to remain in the pot.

Conversely, you may also find yourself up against players who will give up the pot when faced with a gust of wind. Against this player type, you may be more inclined to bet for a smaller size, otherwise they will not give you enough value. If they are also passive, then lowering your bet size and increasing your betting frequency is the optimal way to exploit their strategy.

Final Thoughts

Playing flopped sets in cash games can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires a nuanced understanding of board texture, effective bet sizing, and a keen awareness of your opponent’s tendencies. By following these three tips, you can elevate your game and maximize your profits when you hit that coveted set. 

Remember, the key to success in poker is not just about having strong hands but knowing how to play them effectively. With practice and mindfulness, you’ll find yourself consistently winning more your with flopped sets. 

Want another free article like this with insights from Lucid Poker? Check out What To Do When You Turn A Flush.

Till’ next time, good luck, grinders!

There a countless ways to use the Lucid Poker Trainer to improve your poker game. And now you can improve your skills on the go with the new mobile app! Become a Lucid Poker member today to upgrade your game.

The post 3 Tips For Playing Sets to Help You Get Max Value (via Lucid Poker) appeared first on Upswing Poker.