Handling AK versus a preflop 3-bet

[StellarWind]

Hero raises A /images/graemlins/diamond.gifK /images/graemlins/diamond.gif from MP. 53/11 SB 3-bets. SB bets a normal amount postflop but doesn't raise nearly as much. Pretty typical for a moderate loose/passive. Now I could cap but I decided to just call and figure out what to do after he autobet the flop.

Flop Q /images/graemlins/diamond.gif 7 /images/graemlins/club.gif 2 /images/graemlins/spade.gif

He bet, I raised, and he called. 5.5 BB to the turn.

Question 1: If he 3-bets the flop can I reclaim the lost BB by folding the river unimproved?

Question 2: Can I fold the river unimproved if he stop-n-gos a blank turn?

Question 3: The turn blanks and he checks. What's the plan? Bet-bet, free showdown, or free card and call?

Question 4: The turn is a small diamond and he checks. What's the plan?

Thanks.

[spydog]

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Question 1: If he 3-bets the flop can I reclaim the lost BB by folding the river unimproved? With a rainbow flop against someone on the passive side I think a 3-bet means he likes his hand. I think folding the river unimproved saves you .9BBs or so.

Question 2: Can I fold the river unimproved if he stop-n-gos a blank turn?Against this player I think you can fold to his turn bet.

Question 3: The turn blanks and he checks. What's the plan? Bet-bet, free showdown, or free card and call?Free showdown. This seems pretty straightforward against someone whom you have described as straightforward

Question 4: The turn is a small diamond and he checks. What's the plan?Bet and take free showdown unimproved. I more likely to check behind with outs against someone who can be somewhat tricky. Villian doesn't fit that description.

Thanks.

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[StellarWind]

..

[Jeff W]

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Now I could cap but I decided to just call and figure out what to do after he autobet the flop.

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I'm pretty sure capping will show a profit over calling long term.

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Flop Q /images/graemlins/diamond.gif 7 /images/graemlins/club.gif 2 /images/graemlins/spade.gif

He bet, I raised, and he called. 5.5 BB to the turn.

Question 1: If he 3-bets the flop can I reclaim the lost BB by folding the river unimproved?

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Not sure what this means, but you should fold the river unimproved if he 3-bets the flop.

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Question 2: Can I fold the river unimproved if he stop-n-gos a blank turn?

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This is tougher, but I would be inclined to calldown. It's a lot more likely he is phishing for a fold with that line. As you said, his raises mean more than his bets.

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Question 3: The turn blanks and he checks. What's the plan? Bet-bet, free showdown, or free card and call?

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Definitely bet the turn because you're not worried about a check-raise from this guy. If you get check-raised, you can fold. I'd check behind on the river unless I improved.

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Question 4: The turn is a small diamond and he checks. What's the plan?

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Same plan as in 3 except you can't fold to a check-raise.

[Trix]

I cap preflop, if I didn´t then it is because I think he is very tight with 3bets and in that case I´ll just call the flop, looking to improve or fold the turn.
Qxx really is about the worst you can get if the guy only 3bets AQ,AK and pairs.

Edit: raising flop for a free card, giving him a chance to give you a split or win if he has AK/AJ on the river may be better.

[cartman]

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I'm pretty sure capping will show a profit over calling long term.

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(I realize this post is regarding a somewhat passive player, but my question is regarding an unknown or "average" aggression opponent.)

I also cap this and I figure that I am committing to a showdown at that point versus an unknown. If the flop misses me I just get to the showdown as cheaply possible. I go into check and call mode, usually even checking behind on the flop when checked to because of the frequency that I get checkraised in this situation. I sure feel like a moron when I get shown JJ time after time, but it seems like at the time of my turn decision it will only cost me two more BB to show down for a chance to win at least 7BB if I don't improve (the pot at the time is usually at least 6BB plus his river bet). Combine this with the chances that I will improve and it just seems too weak to fold.

Am I correct that I need to show this down?

What do you guys think about my fetal tuck approach postflop?

Do you think I would be better off using some bets or raises to figure out if I can fold/ try to make him fold?

Thanks,
Cartman

[wrto4556]

If worse hands, like AJ, call a bet, wouldn't it be better to take the free showdown?

[Trix]

It isn´t exactly free if you put a BB in on the turn.

[wrto4556]

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It isn´t exactly free if you put a BB in on the turn.

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Oh, i completely missed that.

betting the turn gets us a CHEAP showdown, may get a better hand to fold, it could be a value bet, and we are unlikely to get check/raised. I don't get why you would check the turn if a blank fell.

[Trix]

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I cap preflop, if I didn´t then it is because I think he is very tight with 3bets and in that case I´ll just call the flop, looking to improve or fold the turn.
Qxx really is about the worst you can get if the guy only 3bets AQ,AK and pairs.

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[wrto4556]

i know. /images/graemlins/blush.gif

[StellarWind]

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I'm pretty sure capping will show a profit over calling long term.

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Could you explain why in the context of this type of player? My preflop edge cannot be very large considering that he 3-bet from SB with a PFR of 11%. If I call he will bet the flop almost always. If I cap he'll probably check to me and I get to autobet in the dark.

If the flop is good I get my raise in with much higher equity. If the flop is bad I'm happy I didn't raise. If he has something like AQ/AJ he won't realize he's outkicked on an ace flop and may hang himself.

If I show this hand it gives the whole table something to think about--including players who may not realize I would never do this against them.

It seems like the correct strategy here is to mix it up.

If anyone cares I caught K /images/graemlins/heart.gif on the turn. He called me down and showed 99. MHIG.