How to Overpower the Button in Texas Hold'em
Playing the button in Hold'em is a very advantageous position at the table. But what do we do when we're not the button player or dealer but we want the benefits of the position? Here is a Hold'em strategy when playing against the button.
When we're the button player we act last in the game. This means we are benefited with having to see the Hold'em strategy and wagers of all the opponents at the table. Then we can better decide what to do when our turn comes.
Thus, people covet the position. In most games the position is rotated so everyone at the table gets a chance at it. However, there is a Hold'em strategy to enjoy the benefits of the position without actually occupying it. We steal its benefits.
If we're in a late position (like, second to the last to act) we may use a little leveraging to pressure the button. However, this is not to under estimate the dealer position. We have to employ the best Hold'em strategy to "pressure" the button to fold.
Usually, when there are 8 players at a table, about 3 players get to see the flop. Being second to the last to act is often not that powerful a position compared to the button. But we can try a substantial pre-flop raise to try to intimidate the button to quit. If the bluff works and the button thinks of saving money, then we have a solid Hold'em strategy working.
Just scare the button. Don't make an exorbitant raise that hurts a lot when the button fights it out with a strong hand. Buttons don't easily scare. If the button folds, then we act last post flop. Our Hold'em strategy worked.
Now, let's say we have a middle suited hand, like Jc9c. Two players are likely to act after us post flop, and they might both decide to call the blinds to profit some. We must make sure that these players don't play limping in. What Hold'em strategy do we do? We pump up the pressure a bit. Put in $15 wager to play. Not too much. We just want to scare.
The two players might fold - except if they chance upon a killer hand. If they do get a strong hand, we lose some. If they don't we win big.
A Hold'em strategy to steal the button benefits can be handy if we are playing in late position. A little wagering bluff might do the trick.