What is a squeeze play in poker?
A squeeze is a 3bet made against an original open raise + at least one flat-call.
Optimal Sizing for a Squeeze Play
Squeezes are generally sized at 4x the original raise + 1x more for every flatter. You can squeeze a bit smaller in position, and a bit larger out of position.
Example 1:
BTN opens to 2x, SB calls. BB 3bets to 4x (8bb) + 1x for the SB flatter (2bb) for a total of 10bb.
Example 2:
CO opens to 3x, BTN calls, SB calls, BB looks down at AK and 3bets to 4x (12BB) + 1x for the BTN flatter (3bb) + 1x for the SB flatter (3bb) for a total of 18bb. He adjusts down 1bb to adjust for position on the SB.
Optimal Situations for a Squeeze Play
There are three common situations for a squeeze in poker. BB, SB and BU
BB squeezes are good because people generally flat the SB with weak hands. Furthermore, if BTN folds and SB calls, you will have position postflop. BB squeezes are also good because you close the action, and have no chance of being cold-4bet behind you.
SB squeezes are good primarily because they play better than flatting the SB. If you flat the SB, you are OOP in a deeper pot, without initiative, and are open to being squeezed from the BB.
If you 3bet, you have initiative in any postflop pot in a shallower situation where position is less important.
BTN squeezes are good in situations where MP is opening way too wide. You have extra fold equity in these situations and better playability because you are guaranteed position postflop.
Optimal Opponents for a Squeeze Play
Generally, you want to squeeze against opponents who will not 4bet you too wide. This means that you want the original raiser to have a high fold to 3bet stat.
Sometimes, people will flat hands with the intention of 4betting over a squeeze. You won’t want to squeeze too much against flatters like this.
So, smart regulars who will recognize and exploit oversqueezing, or players who flat often to trap are bad to squeeze against.
