How to Play Suited Gappers in Poker

Introduction

A suited gapper is a gap between a hand with two cards of the same suit. The hand is tricky to play as the likelihood of making a good hand with gappers and winning a pot is quite tricky. So, how do you play if you are dealt with gappers? Read further to know how suited gappers work and how to win it.

Objective

The aim is to explain suited gappers and give tips to win the pot.

What is Suited Gapper?

Suited gappers are non-consecutive cards which are close enough to make a straight. For example, A♠ 3♠ is a suited one gapper and 4♦ 8♦ is a suited three gapper.

They are less strong than connectors, and the likelihood of making a straight is lower.

How Suited Gappers Differ from Suited Connectors

In poker, there are two types of starting hands: suited connectors and suited gappers. Suited connectors are two consecutive cards from the same suit, like 8♠ 7♠. Suited gapers are suited connectors with a gap, like 8♠ 6♠.

Suited connectors are stronger than suited gappers, as gapers have less chance of making a straight. Here's a probability that can justify the above statement:

• 8♠ 7♠ (a suited connector) has a 2.23% chance.
• 8♠ 6♠ (a one-gap-suited gapper) has a 1.91% chance.
• 8♠ 5♠ (a two-gap suited gapper) has a 1.59% chance.
• 8♠ 4♠ (a three-gap suited gapper) has a 1.27% chance.

There's a term called 'kicker', which means if two players have the same pair, kicker determines the winner. Suited gappers have a lower kicker than suited kicker.

For example, if you have 8♠ 6♠ and your opponent has8♠ 7♠, the Flop comes 8♥ 5♠ 2♣. Your opponent's 7(kicker) is higher than your 6, strengthening their hand.

How To Play Suited Gappers in Common Preflop Scenarios

Suited gappers aren't a strong hand. Even if no one has raised it before you, you shouldn't raise it from any position you play. You can raise it when you are closer to the dealer's button or a small blind or a highjacker.

Also, suited gappers like J9s and T8s are strong enough to raise with. You can raise from J9 till 8-5 suited and even 6-4 suited.

Against a Raise

If someone has raised before you, then play only if you are a big blind. Else-suited gappers are too weak to raise.

Even if you are a big blind and small blind raises, you should not re-raise and call.

Also, if you have suited gappers, your opponent might have a better hand than you. Hence, it isn't very smart to even think of 3-bet.

Against a 3-Bet

Suppose your opponent raises a 3-bet after your raises, Fold. Your hand is not strong enough to play against 3-bet.

However, there are exceptions; you can continue playing if you were the first one to raise it from the button or if you raised it from the small blind.

Tips for Playing When You Hit the Flop

• You should bet and raise if you get a two-pair or three-of-a-kind. If you try to bluff and won't bet enough, you can miss on winning more money.
• If you already have two pairs of cards, the community cards can help you be careful about betting too much. And if there's an opportunity where your opponent can make straight, then it's better to call than Raise.
• If you raised before the Flop, keep betting, but be careful if your opponent also raises.
• When you have hit top pairs, it needs to be stronger to bet a lot.  Decide carefully when to bet.

Tips for Playing When You Miss the Flop

• Suppose you have an open-ended straight draw, bluff or semi-bluff. Your opponent may Fold.
• If you raised before the Flop, you should bet with these hands. If you called before the Flop, consider growing as a semi-buff.
• Evaluate your position at the table and how your opponent is playing. If you are the first person to act, checking and seeing how others react before deciding your next move is safer.
• If you are late, you have more information about how other players play. This can help whether to bluff or play more conservatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play suited one gapper?

Play cautiously with a suited one-gapper. Fold if you are in an early position and facing aggressive opponents. However, you can make a speculative call if you are playing from a late position.

How does a gapper work?

A gapper in poker refers to a hand with a gap between two cards of the same suit.

Conclusion

As we read, suited gapper is a tricky hand to play. You should know when to Call, Raise, Bet, and Fold. It's better to call your friends and practice before participating in a big tournament. Refer to other online resources to learn about it and keep practising.