top pair in a tournament

[doubleatrain 0]

So, theoretically, let's say you raise 4xBB in late position with one limper, everybody folds, but the limper calls. Flop comes down something like K-8-3 rainbow. The player seems to be fairly aggressive (for the sake of argument). Oh, and I suppose since it's a tournament we'll say it's fairly early, blinds not too pressing, but a good place to try to earn some chips.How do you generally play this type of hand? Is this a situation, especially heads up where it's safe to check, hoping to intice a bet, or does that seem too fishy for the pre-flop raiser? Any general thoughts would be appreciated. (Other similar situations also apply, of course)

[Vade 0]

What's my kicker?

[custom36 5]

Nevermind.

[RonBurgundy 0]

don't try to "intice" a bet with top pair alone. That is not nearly a strong enough hand to attempt a slow play with. Just bet out, especially with your preflop raise. This way, everytime the flop comes ten high, and you fire out your continuation bet with AK, they're not putting you on a bluff.

[econ_tim 0]

Like Vade, I'd like to know the kicker. Also, what size buy-in tournament do you have in mind?But speaking generally, with a raise-worthy K, I would bet the pot or slightly less than the pot on this flop. No need to do anything fancy early in the tournament as you will likely find better situations to gain chips.

[princeof56k 0]

Dont attempt to slowplay top pair. You should be betting with the intent on taking the pot right there. Dont go insane and push, but put in a reasonable size bet. If he comes back over the top of you, since it is early in a tournament you're probably going to have to fold.

[doubleatrain 0]

I had it right in my head, but I meant to say you have AK, suitedness doesn't matter. Sorry for the mixup, but thanks for pointing it out! As for the size of the buy-in, I generally don't have the means to play much beyond the small buy in online tourneys, so I suppose that's more of what this is geared for.It seems as though the general agreement is to just bet out, which is what I tend to do, I've just been having trouble accumulating chips, especially early on, and thought I'd get peoples' thoughts on this to see if this may be one of the instances in which more chips can be picked up.Thanks for the input!

[Scott3705 0]

Check the flop. Reraise the turn. It's not a strong hand, but the boards not that strong either. You said limper is aggressive so he would have bet with any piece of that flop. By checking you're going to get him to put another bet out and ultiamtely win more money. I guess everyone else is worried about him holding 89 and having a 9 spike the turn. But I think every once in awhile it's fine to let an aggressive player do the betting for you in a VERY safe board.

[dms26 3]

Bet 2/3 of the pot if you want some action, please don't check. TPTK isn't a good enough hand to slowplay, but if you must don't complain when you lose the hand.Betting close to the same amount on the flop every time will get you action especially from loose/passive players. Don't vary your bets much when you hit the flop or miss the flop.

[dbdbarry 0]

i don't like doing anything too fancy early on in a tournament. I'd just play it straight. Bet 2/3 the pot, if he bets back at you then it's time to evaluate him, but he'll probably fold if he's got nothing and its early.

[DCWildcat 0]

I'm confused...is he before or after you? If he limps and you raise, how are you acting first on the flop?