$50 max PS junk hand

[LokiV]

I had been establishing myself as a maniac for an orbit and a half after 2 hours of sitting doing nothing. Hence, I am aware the hand is not optimal... but I was trying to do something different, comments please.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.50 BB (9 handed)

saw flop|<font color="C00000">saw showdown</font>

CO ($49.25)
Hero ($35.25)
SB ($25.55)
BB ($69.55)
UTG ($52.50)
UTG+1 ($118.20)
MP1 ($25.75)
MP2 ($51.75)
MP3 ($51.20)

Preflop: Hero is Button with J/images/graemlins/club.gif, 9/images/graemlins/club.gif.
UTG calls $0.50, <font color="CC3333">UTG+1 raises to $1</font>, <font color="666666">4 folds</font>, Hero calls $1, SB calls $0.75, <font color="666666">1 fold</font>, UTG calls $0.50.

Flop: ($4.50) 4/images/graemlins/diamond.gif, 9/images/graemlins/heart.gif, 8/images/graemlins/spade.gif <font color="blue">(4 players)</font>
<font color="CC3333">SB bets $0.5</font>, <font color="CC3333">UTG raises to $2</font>, UTG+1 calls $2, Hero calls $2, SB calls $1.50.

Turn: ($12.50) 7/images/graemlins/club.gif <font color="blue">(4 players)</font>
<font color="CC3333">SB bets $3</font>, UTG folds, UTG+1 calls $3, Hero calls $3.

River: ($21.50) T/images/graemlins/heart.gif <font color="blue">(3 players)</font>
<font color="CC3333">SB bets $5</font>, UTG+1 calls $5, <font color="CC3333">Hero ???

[Ontilt1645]

The way the hand played out I would raise. SB bet $5 into a $21 dollar pot he may have a jack, but I doubt it as the way he bet he probably has two pair. Utg+1 simply called so I wouldnt put him on a straight. I would raise to $15.

[Richie Rich]

Value-raise. Now you must figure out, what's the most you can raise and assure at least one call?

If you raise to $10...(1) If SB calls, then UTG+1 is likely to call, OR (2) SB would essentially be pot-committed and could easily push, while UTG+1 probably won't call. Extra net: $10-$16

If you raise to $15...(1) SB will either call or fold, which UTG+1 is likely to copy, OR (2) again, SB would essentially be pot-committed and is likely to push, while UTG+1 probably won't call. Extra net: $0-20

If you raise &gt; $15...you will likely scare out both players and not have either of them call you down. Extra net: $0

Instinctively, I would've value-raised this hand to $15. But after breaking it down, I think a value-raise to $10 would be more profitable...especially since both players were betting this hand pretty weak the whole way.

[DBowling]

hero raises on the river to 15-20$

I would have raised or folded the flop. You either have the best hand (that needs to be protected) or you dont (and have little chance of improving). So i think you want to thin the field and quickly define where youre at before the pot gets too large. Also, youd be in position to take a freecard if you so chose. You ended up hitting runner runner and hold the second nuts. Gotta raise it. If SB got there with JQ, thats why you need to raise the flop.