First hand at table so no reads. HU I'm 3-betting this but after SB cold calls flop, I'm a little lost. Going for the overcall on the river is good good right?



Party Poker 1/2 Hold'em (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)
Preflop: Hero is BB with A, 9.
UTG calls, 3 folds, SB completes, Hero checks.

Flop: (3 SB) 2, A, K (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets, UTG raises, SB calls, Hero calls.

Turn: (4.50 BB) 4 (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, UTG checks.

River: (4.50 BB) 9 (3 players)
SB bets, Hero calls, UTG calls.

Final Pot: 7.50 BB

I think you have to 3bet this flop. It is very unlikely anyone is on a draw here, *maybe* JT/QT/QJ (since bad players do chase). Therefore, everyone probably has a made hand on the flop. Your only behind to A2 or 22, because I believe any AA/KK or a big ace raises preflop.

As played, I think raising the river is probably better than going for an overcall. UTG may have something like Ax of clubs which he checked on the turn with, but I think he bets here a lot with such a hand. He's probably giving up on his hand. On the other hand, SB could have backdoored a flush, slowplayed 22/A2/A4/K2, or just has a lone A or K. UTG may not go for the overcall, but I think SB definitely calls with an A here, and you may gain an extra bet in this situation when he 3bets with A2/A4.

SB calling two cold on the flop looks really suspicious on a board like this. I would want to see his reaction to UTG betting the turn first. I fold if he raises.

Raise the river. You made the almost best two pair (only AK beating you) and can now beat alot of the two pair holdings from the SB. The only hand that beats you that is logical is 22, and you will get a call there from the SB 99% of the time. Its a bonus if UTG comes along, and quite frankly..if he has an ace he will most certainly not lay it down.

Also, raise this hand preflop most of the time.

I freakin hate A9, but I agree with Verdimme. Your two pair is good here alot.

Hmmm, I don't raise preflop. AQo is usually my cutoff there, although sometimes I may raise AJo.

Against a limper and the sb, A9 is likely the best hand.
I raise for value.
And you will often gain enough fold equity to win this on the flop if you miss.

When you get raised bu UTG on the flop, it seems that you may be behind to a slowplayed Ace-Big.
I don't 3bet this out of position.

But he checks behind you on the turn, it seems that your Ace certainly may be good.

The surprise river bet by SB worries me.
But fortunately, our hand has improved.
And I think it warrants a raise.

The value-raise on the river is risky, but I think it is profitable.
Because everyone checked on the turn, SB may be betting an Ace here as well.
He may also easily have a lesser 2-pair.
And the fact that UTG may still cold-call the river with a lesser hand negates the chances of being 3bet by SB when you are behind.

--cm

Raise preflop and the river.