I took last month off - was running bad, not having fun, so I took a break and now it's time to get back in the game, including posting more.

PokerStars Pot-Limit Omaha, $0.50 BB (6 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP ($73.55)
Frezinator (CO) ($49.25)
Button ($20.90)
SB ($48.25)
BB ($9.50)
UTG ($50.45)

Preflop: Frezinator is CO with 10, 8, 9, 10
UTG calls $0.50, 1 fold, Frezinator calls $0.50, 1 fold, SB calls $0.25, BB checks

Raising on the button crossed my mind, but I was wary of a limp/RR from UTG. I don't mind playing this hand multiway.

Flop: ($2) J, 5, 9 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG bets $1.90, Frezinator raises to $6.50, 2 folds, UTG calls $4.60

Flop isn't bad for me. Nice that it is rainbow. I'd like to take it right here if UTG was limping PF with a big pair. Otherwise it's a nice spot to semi-bluff.

Turn: ($15) 3 (2 players)
UTG checks, Frezinator bets $9.50, UTG calls $9.50

Now I'm just trying to get him to lay down his hand. How's the bet size?

River: ($34) 3 (2 players)
UTG checks, Frezinator bets $20.50, 1 fold

I was thinking that the way I played the hand looked like a made hand, maybe middle set. Hopefully my 2/3 pot book looks like a value bet.
I did realize once I put the money out there that if he had AA and put me on two pair, he'd now think he was ahead.


So, tell me what you think about it all...

Total pot: $34 | Rake: $1.65

I think I'd need a read that UTG would play a big pair that way, otherwise a set would worry me. But once you've made the commitment to go with it, you have to go all the way. Checking behind on the turn would reveal your semi-bluff. The river is a real tough spot because you could be called by a big pair if he doesn't put you on the set.

Raise preflop.

I'm not totally sold on the flop raise. I'd probably just flat there and play the turn in position. If he has a big pair you're usually going to be able to win on a lot of turn cards anyway.

As jmbreslin says, if you're wanting to bet the turn you have to follow up on a lot of rivers. I think a bet/call check/raise line is pretty rare generally (a set usually 3bets the flop, and a draw c/c the turn). That means that most of the time you're getting called at worst with a turn bet.

I think given that you've raised the flop, I like your turn and river line.

Why? And how much?

Full pot raise because you have position and a very nice hand. You shouldn't be worried about a l/rr because your hand is almost never way behind. Even if he does l/rr, you can call and outplay him on a ton of different flops. You want to isolate limpers in position a ton and start building pots with profitable hands that flop well.

You also dominate a lot of his limping range.

Preflop I generally just mash the pot button when it comes to raises and 3bets. It's only once I get to 4bets that I start reducing the raise size.

while i do see shit like this a lot more lately, the way you played it you have to bet that river. sometimes you are going to bet into a boat. they are usually going to miss so much value playing like that so you can play like they are never going to play like that and it evens out.

as simo says the flop raise may be debatable but once you make it i feel you commit yourself to playing the hand exactly how you did. i've noticed that the more plo/plo8 i play the more i call in position and c/r trying to get all the chips in oop. while your draw can have an edge if you get called you can get a bigger edge by seeing a turn card with more money left.