Calling 3bets out of spite instead of logic is a sneaky poker leak. Learn what spite calls cost you, why they fail, and how better to respond.

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Download episode #613 here.

Don’t Spite Call 3bets

I’ve been digging into a specific leak for one of my students: losing money when calling 3bets. And I found that there are a few of reasons this leak exists for him (and probably you):

1. Over-calling with too wide a range.
2. Slowplay calls with AA-QQ.
3. Poor post-flop skills and calling preflop without a post-flop plan.
4. Spite calling because you hate the 3bettor.

Today I want to talk about #4: spite calling.

The Spite Call

A spite call is when you call a 3bet, not because the math is right or with a solid read or with a post-flop plan, but simply because you don’t want to fold.

Maybe you’re fed up with the LAG 3bettor. Maybe you think the tight reg is pushing you around. Maybe your ego just doesn’t want to give up.

Your call isn’t coming from logic. It’s coming from frustration.

Here’s what spite calls look like in PokerTracker 4:

• You filter for Call PF 3bet and you get an ugly losing win rate.
• You scroll through your open-raise then called a 3bet hands and you see 97s, K5s, QTo, and A6o. Wow, why did you call those?

Then you replay the hands, and you remember why. You hated the 3bettor. Expensive emotion, yeah?

How Do Spite Calls Cost You?

Spite calls cost you whether your opponent is value 3betting OR bluffing.

When they’re value 3betting:

• Against their value 3betting range (TT+ and AK), your crummy hand like 97s or K5s make you a 70-75% underdog before the flop.
• Your mathematical disadvantage is handing them money.
• And even on the flops where you connect, their overpair is still ahead most of the time.
• You need to hit something specific and strong to have a chance, and that only happens a fraction of the time.

If you believe he’s value 3betting, don’t give him what he wants by calling.

When they’re bluff 3betting:

• What are you giving him? At least a range advantage, and often you’re giving him Bread & Butter (the most profitable spot i n poker).
• Then the flop hits. It’s a larger 3bet pot and he cbets. Your hand whiffs at least 70% of the time.
• You’re folding most flops.
• So, you paid extra to see a flop you’re giving up on most of the time. You gave him exactly what he wanted.

If you believe he’s bluffing, the answer isn’t a spite call. It’s a 4bet rebluff or a fold. A spite call doesn’t exploit the bluffer.

What to do Instead

So what’s the fix?

Option 1: Fold more often to 3bets.

Without a great reason to call, like your hand is ahead of their 3betting range or you know how to exploit them post-flop, just fold. 97s and K5s are great for open-raising, but not for calling 3bets. Fold now to avoid an ugly future.

Option 2: 4bet bluff more often.

Do this rarely, especially at the microstakes. But, if logically believe they’re bluffing, 4bet rebluff. Position helps it succeed, and holding a good blocking hand like A5s or A4s is smart.

Scroll down for episode #614 where I teach you how to 4bet bluff in a podcast and a YouTube video.

Option 3: Look for positional 3bettors before open-raising.

Most players have a preferred 3bet bluffing position, often the BTN or SB. Look for this in their stats and plan your response in their favorite position.

Option 4: Tighten your range.

Drop the weakest open-raising hands so you can fight back versus their 3bets more often.

Option 5: Open-raise larger.

3bettors love targeting small open-raises. Experiment with pot-sized opens like 3.5bb or greater that often discourage them.

Option 6: Switch Tables.

Constant 3bettors are frustrating, and frustration can lead to emotional plays. Find a table with more fish and with 3bettors on your right.

Take Action

This week, focus on the 3bets you face. Don’t call out of spite, but allow yourself to fold more often.

Only call with a solid reason like your hand is ahead of their range or you know how to steal it from them post-flop.

Also, try some 4bet rebluffs when you believe they’re 3bet bluffing, especially if you’ve never done it before.

The Secret to 4bet Bluffing That You Don’t Know You Already Know

Listen to episode #614 on the go:

Download episode #614 here.