PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00 BB (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FCP)

CO ($100.65)
Hero ($125.75)
SB ($81.55)
BB ($94.65)
UTG ($44.85)
MP ($119.25)

Preflop: Hero is Button with 9 , 9 .
2 folds, CO raises to $3, Hero raises to $9, 1 fold, BB calls $8, CO folds.

Flop: ($21.50) 9 , J , 8 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $15, BB raises to $30, Hero raises to $116.75...


Ok, I've got a few questions here:

1) In another thread, I mentioned I 3-bet TT preflop a lot, and that might not be the most profitable play. I actually do it occasionally, albeit rarely, with 99 as well. The first question here then is, is it more profitable to represent more strength and take the pot down preflop, or with a c-bet on the flop than it is to get in cheap and try to win a monster with a set? Is there more value in trying to take it down UI + winning pots when you flop a set, vs only winning when you flop sets, or raise the flop on a favorable board? What would be the ideal play from a long run value point of view? Of course, it depends on opponents, but assuming average villains.

2) Flop play. Clearly, this is a 3-bet gone bad as the BB calls $9 cold. There's no way that can be a good sign. Villain is 22.15/3.73/1.52 after 483 hands. Given that info, does anyone like the flop push since I've flopped my monster anyways?

You have to push. There's no other play.

What turn will make you feel better?

Can you possibly justify a fold?

JJ beats you. I don't see you being behind any other possible holdings. Nh.



Zach, since you're a NL player now, you have to say "re-raise" instead of "three-bet."

I think that's what started this whole confusion...

lol

preflop is fine if you know your opponents. theres a chance you're behind on the flop, but your not folding, so i like it.

I think the number of players at the table makes a huge difference, as does your position at the table (i.e., how many players left to act behind you). In a full-ring game, I wouldn't recommend re-raising with 99 or TT very often, and when you did do it, you'd probably want to be in a situation with a middle or late position open-raiser with you on the button (or maybe CO) with no callers in between. In 5/6-max I would think that 99 and TT would be a re-raise at least 50% of the time. Maybe Cobalt or Jordan (or anyone else that plays short-handed a lot) could chime in to validate this.

As for this particular hand, I like the re-raise pre-flop. CO could be trying to steal (which is much more prevalent short-handed), and you've got a good hand. Evidently BB woke up with a big hand as well, although I'm confused by his cold call. I don't play enough short-handed to know what that means. I could see it with Aces. But, I'd think Kings or Queens would want to put in another raise pre-flop. I could also see the cold call with Tens or Jacks as well. In any event, you can't ask for a much better flop, so I don't see how you don't get all the money in. If he's got Jacks, ship it and move on.

Reraising the CO w/ mid pairs is pretty solid in full ring and it most certainly is solid in Shed games. CO's range is usually too wide to really try to play a pot against him postflop unless he's fairly str8forward. So reraising and taking the lead is usually good.

the flop is an easy push against the cold caller.

Should we lead the flop for $30 ish?

It hits a lot of hands.
He's either got an overpair or sweet draws

I'm not happy with a flop cold call, if it happened for $15.

???