Pot control in poker: keeping pots small with medium hands
Pot control means keeping the pot small when you have a medium-strength hand: good enough to win at showdown often, but not strong enough to want a big pot. You do it by checking some streets instead of betting, especially when betting would only get calls from better hands.
Which hands want pot control?
Section titled “Which hands want pot control?”- Top pair with a weak kicker, for example K-6 on K-9-4.
- Middle pair or a weak overpair on a wet board.
- Second pair with a good kicker.
Strong hands want big pots; see value betting. Weak hands either bluff or give up.
How to control the pot
Section titled “How to control the pot”| Position | Typical line |
|---|---|
| In position | Bet the flop, check behind the turn, call or bet small on the river |
| Out of position | Check-call one or two streets instead of betting into a raise |
Checking in position also gives you a free card when you’re behind. See playing the button.
Example
Section titled “Example”You have A♠ 9♥ on 9♣ 7♦ 3♠ K♥. Your opponent called your flop bet. The king on the turn may have helped them. Check behind the turn. On the river, call a small bet or bet small yourself if they check again. See river play.
When to stop controlling the pot
Section titled “When to stop controlling the pot”- Against a calling station: bet for value; they call with worse. See calling stations.
- When the board is very wet and your medium hand needs protection.
- When your hand improves to two pair or better.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Betting every street with top pair weak kicker, then facing a big raise.
- Checking too much and giving free cards to draws on wet boards.
See also deep stack play and bet sizing.
What is pot control in poker?
Section titled “What is pot control in poker?”Keeping the pot small with a medium-strength hand, usually by checking some streets.
Which hands need pot control?
Section titled “Which hands need pot control?”Medium hands like top pair with a weak kicker, middle pair or a weak overpair on wet boards.
How do you control the pot in position?
Section titled “How do you control the pot in position?”Bet the flop and check behind the turn, then call or bet small on the river.
When should you not use pot control?
Section titled “When should you not use pot control?”Against calling stations, on very wet boards or when your hand improves.