1 reply to this topic

[Naismith]

I generally play NL online.I've been getting in trouble a lot today with this situation in the big blind:I'll have something like a K5 or Q7 in an unraised pot. I'll hit top pair on a ragged flop. I'll bet out and just get smooth called. Same on the turn. Inevitably, I'm getting re-raised on the river a good percentage of the time.I'm not in love with my top pair, weak kicker hands here, but with no one going over the top of me, do I just assume I'm good until someone tells me otherwise?Also, earlier, I flopped a jack high flush draw (Kxx). One guy bet out the flop and my notes on him said he bets on draws. He bet 10 into a 20 dollar pot. I re-raised to 30. He called. The turn brought a jack, giving me middle pair and the draw. I bet 20. He called. The river brought the queen of hearts. He checked.Knowing that he bets out on draws and usually slows down when he has something, what should I do there? Should I be concerned that I had the second nut flush and just be safe? Or should I bet out?Peace,Jay

[Swift_Psycho]

Naismith said:

I've been getting in trouble a lot today with this situation in the big blind:I'll have something like a K5 or Q7 in an unraised pot. I'll hit top pair on a ragged flop. I'll bet out and just get smooth called. Same on the turn. Inevitably, I'm getting re-raised on the river a good percentage of the time.I'm not in love with my top pair, weak kicker hands here, but with no one going over the top of me, do I just assume I'm good until someone tells me otherwise?

Rolf Slotboom (or whatever his name is, the one guy who writes about hold'em and omaha strategy for cardplayer) wrote an article about such situations. It was extemely interesting because it's one of the few times that he discussed passive play as being somewhat correct in situations like these. First, know your opponents (like what they will and won't bet with). When you hit this top pair, check it on the flop. Betting will often get the weaker hands to fold and the stronger ones to fight back; you'll basically be screwed. Checking allows a potentially weaker hand to bet at the pot. Now obviously, if there is more action after the first bet, you can probably fold. But, if it gets folded around to you (and the guy isn't a rock who won't bet without a strong hand), simply call. Once the turn hits, you must bet out into him now. He will now fear that you have a strong hand that you slowplayed on the flop and you might get some hands to fold to your bet (that currently have you beat) that wouldn't have before. If he does call and has you outkicked, you can just check the river and you may very well get a free showdown because the guy will be scared stiff of a check/raise. Slotboom makes it clear that this shouldn't be done all the time, but there are times when it is correct. Just use your judgment.