There has been a trend in Texas hold em online poker lately to check on the river. This can probably be attributed to the adage, “If you bet on the river and get called, you’re beat.” It has made players literally afraid of river bets. Players are timid about betting with hands with good showdown value, like two pair or even just the high pair, because they are unsure whether it is best.

If you made it to the river, then you shouldn’t automatically be afraid of it. There are several things to consider when you get there – how strong is your hand, what is the board texture, and how tight are your opponents.

Typically when there is a showdown, there has not been a lot of aggressive betting, so keep that in mind. A bet at the river could force folding. The trend toward checking or folding at the river could be your best friend in this situation.

If there are more than two opponents at showdown, then you must consider the strength of your poker hand. If you’ve got high pair, then how strong is your kicker? At this point, it is likely the winner will be at least two pair or better, and if you don’t have that strength, your hand is marginal. Review the board one more time for straight or flush possibilities. If the board is paired, be wary.

When you are heads-up and an opponent bets in front of you, then consider your poker hand strength and its showdown value. If there is a check, with no big hand texture on board, then don’t be afraid to bet your top pair or even just an Ace high hand.