May 16, 2010 3:43:17 PM EDT
Nikki,
Here is one way to try and ensure that the monster isn't there. You have a premium hand. Protect it preflop by betting enough so that the chasers SHOULDN'T call. If they do, at least you can know they were wrong when they did so. However, if you bet too much you'll be giving the pot odds to call, so you have to find just that right amount to make them unwilling to call.
OK, so maybe you've called the Monster's preflop raise. Before calling his raise, ask yourself this: "Do I know enough about how this Monster (opponent) plays such that I can put them on a range of hands?" If so, does your holding beat his range? If so, then call, if not, then don't call. If you can't put him on a range because you haven't seen enough play by him, invest in Poker Tracker 3 and look up the stats on various players online. That should give you some info as to how he plays.
In other instances, look at the Monster's position; if he's in late position, his range is quite wide if it has been folded around to him. If he's in early position, you can probably narrow down his range to premium hands or real close to premium hands. If he's a maniac, then you tighten up your range such that you don't go to showdown with a single pair (even top pr, top kicker).
I hope this helps.
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