Double barreling is one way that players can begin to expand on their aggressive play. A double barrel is the second try a player makes to take away a pot with nothing. If you make a pre flop raise, and then continuation bet on the flop after missing and get called, your turn bet (with nothing) will be a double barrel. Double barrels can be incredibly profitable if they are implemented correctly, but they can be terribly destructive if misused or abused. It is not nearly as difficult to make effective double barrels as some players think. Double barrels will be difficult only if you have no prior knowledge of continuation bets. Once you have a sound understanding of the function of a flop c-bet you will be able to move onto double barrels.

When to make a double barrel?

Double barrels have their time and place; unfortunately many players neglect to identify these situations and fire double barrels in awful spots. The question then becomes, what is a good time to attempt a double barrel? You should first consider how the other player(s) at the table perceive you. If they think you are on the tight side you will be able to pull off double barrels with relative ease. If you have been playing like a maniac double barrels will prove to be rather ineffective. If you have decided that you are in a position where you could safely attempt a double barrel you should next consider if the board works with your plan. If you fired a c-bet on a flop of K 7 Q, would it be a good idea to fire a double barrel when the turn is a 6? No, the 6 is very unlikely to have helped you and your opponent should know this. If the turn was an ace, however, you would be in a perfect situation for a double barrel. Not only will your previous bets have indicated strength, but the other player will be intimidated (to one extent or another) when the over card falls. The key to a successful double barrel is the ability to tell a believable story. You need to convince the other player that you have them beat, if the board is unlikely to have improved your hand (in their eyes) you should probably abandon the idea of a double barrel.

When not to double barrel?

If the other players view you as a spastic or loose player you should discount the value of any double barrel you might consider making. Whether you are actually loose or not they will be more apt to call your bets based solely on your history. For all the other players know you are simply making yet another bluff. If you have a solid, tight image at the table you will have the opportunity to fire some double barrels, but you still need to pick your spots carefully. If you have raised pre flop, c-bet the flop, and then are considering betting again on the turn, you shouldn’t be doing anything if the board doesn’t tell the same story you are. Never attempt a double barrel if you think that the turn may have hit the other player or if they have no reason to believe it helped you.