How to play stupid like me!

[kurto]

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (8 handed) converter (http://www.selachian.com/tools/bisonconverter/hhconverter.cgi)

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

BB ($25.65)
UTG ($15.45)
<font color="#C00000">UTG+1 ($13.20)</font>
MP1 ($24.45)
MP2 ($7)
CO ($8.70)
Button ($18.75)
<font color="#C00000">Hero ($23)</font>

Preflop: Hero is SB with J/images/graemlins/club.gif, J/images/graemlins/diamond.gif.
<font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, <font color="#CC3333">UTG+1 raises to $1.5</font>, <font color="#666666">4 folds</font>, Hero calls $1.40, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>.

Flop: ($3.25) 7/images/graemlins/spade.gif, Q/images/graemlins/diamond.gif, A/images/graemlins/spade.gif <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
Hero checks, UTG+1 checks.

Turn: ($3.25) K/images/graemlins/club.gif <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
Hero checks, <font color="#CC3333">UTG+1 bets $1.7</font>, Hero calls $1.70.

River: ($6.65) 9/images/graemlins/heart.gif <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
Hero checks, <font color="#CC3333">UTG+1 bets $3</font>, Hero calls $3.

Final Pot: $12.65

Results in white below: <font color="#FFFFFF">
Hero has Jc Jd (one pair, jacks).
UTG+1 has Kd Ks (three of a kind, kings).
Outcome: UTG+1 wins $12.65. </font>

This is an example where I got stubborn and stupid. Here's my thought process and how I talked myself into really dumb decisions...

I have already noted about this villain... he minraises with small pocket pairs and 2 face cards (not AK). So I suspected this raise meant a real good pocket pair or possibly AK. I also noted that he once had a pair of 5s that he called bets all the way to the river with overcards on the board... and he won it. I don't know if he had a read on the guy or if he's just a calling station. I lean towards calling stations because people are so stubborn. But the important thing I'm thinking he most likely has high PP.

I figured if the board flopped all rags, I could make a feeler bet and confrim the High PP hypothesis. With all rags, he might fold to a flop bet. If A jack flopped I'd have his stack. And at the very least, I might learn more about how this guy plays.

When he checked the flop, I figured 90% he had a pocket pair that missed and he's afraid of the Ace or 10% he was slowplaying me. (he could have a set of queens or aces...)

He bets the king. Here's where I just get stupid. I ignore my previous read and convince myself he's betting on something like mid pair since he senses weakness in me. I also have a weak straight draw. He only bets half the pot. So I call again. Stupid, right?!?

RIVER- No help to me. So, even though everything that I guess about him preflop told me what he likely has, I CALL a $3 bet because.... that's what I can't answer. Certainly confirming my instincts wasn't worth $3.

I guess the lesson is... go with your instincts and don't talk yourself into calling stupid bets.

Was the correct play to bet the flop then get out if he calls?

[Scorpion]

Bet the flop be done with it if called. When did CT end with 2 T's?

[kurto]

"Bet the flop be done with it if called." I hear ya. Frankly, I would have lost less and had a better chance of taking the pot. Its one thing to play dumb. Its another entirely to KNOW you're playing dumb, to know you're bet, and then ignore what you know.

"When did CT end with 2 T's" Good question. I see it written both ways. I think its the 'ye old English' spelling. I just like it.

[MyMindIsGoing]

He had exactly what I thought he had. I would bet the flop if I were him though. Think about it on the turn, what hands can you beat? None realy. Check/fold turn.

[Scorpion]

You go to Foxwoods? I'm there 3-4 times a week playing the 1/2 NL. Where are yo in CT? I'm in Moodus.

[kurto]

"He had exactly what I thought he had." I agree. I really only posted this as self-punishment. This is one of those hands where if you watch someone else playing it, you know exactly what he has. Yet, for no good reason, I chose to ignore everything.

I don't know if its helpful to people except as a reminder not to ignore what you should know.

"I would bet the flop if I were him though" I sure would have folded. (I hope lol... it was 1:30am which may have been part of the problem.)

[kurto]

"You go to Foxwoods?" I haven't been to a casino since I've been playing poker (about a year and a half.) I've been meaning to go out there but just haven't had the opportunity for any live games other then 2-3 'home games' in Manhattan.

I might go to my first Poker Club in NYC next week.

I'm in Stamford. Unfortunately, Foxwoods isn't close enough for any weeknight trips. I'd have to make a day out of it.

[Scorpion]

Yeah it's a haul from Stamford. Good luck next week.

[MyMindIsGoing]

I didn't want to offend you or anything if that is what you think I ment. English is not my first language, things might come out wrong. And yes, I play like that also sometimes. We all make mistakes. Third shell bluff all in is one of my biggest ones /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[kurto]

"I didn't want to offend you or anything if that is what you think I ment." I didn't think anything of the sort. I know I played it badly. I think your advice makes perfect sense.

"And yes, I play like that also sometimes. We all make mistakes." Yes. I think it is good to show dumb plays too so you'll remember them better. It might keep us from doing it as much!

/images/graemlins/wink.gif