There are numerous ways to play the same hand. There are even more variations of play for your hand once the flop, turn, and river come. One strategy players use post-flop is something called a defensive bet. Your ability to pick out a defensive bet will be based on your ability to read a player and make an informed decision.

In no-limit Texas Hold’em a defensive bet is generally made by someone who is acting out of position. The basic concept is that a bet is made to prevent a big raise from someone acting in position. If you are playing a speculative hand and like the flop, you make a bet that is in theory the size bet you would check-call. For example if you make a defensive bet 4x big blind raise on a flop, that is the size raise you would be willing to check-call out of position. If you make a defensive bet and get raised you fold because any raise would be more than you are willing to commit. Defensive bets may also be used by medium strength hands such as middle pocket pairs post flop to feel out where they are in a hand. If you get flat called you can get information on your opponent based on the texture of the board.