**Sigh**
 

Every so often a hand comes along that confuses me to the point that I really don't know how to continue. I present you with one such hand.

Typical party table. Loose passive with the occasional pre-flop raise.

Party Poker 2/4 (10 handed)
TheRake has 9[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], 9[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] and is Button

EP1 limps, EP2 limps, MP1 raises, MP3 calls, CO calls, TheRake calls, SB folds, BB calls, EP1 calls, EP2 calls

Flop(14 1/2 SB): T[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], 6[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], 7[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]

BB checks, EP1 checks, EP2 checks, MP1 checks, MP3 checks, CO checks, TheRake checks

Turn(7 1/4 BB): 3[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

BB checks, EP1 checks, EP2 bets, MP1 folds, MP3 calls, CO folds, TheRake calls, BB folds, EP1 calls

River(11 1/4 BB): 9[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]

EP1 checks, EP2 bets, MP3 folds, TheRake calls, EP1 folds

Looking at it now I have a better feel for what I could have done differently, but then again I know the outcome. Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

Results to follow

TheRake

Re: **Sigh**
 

id raise the river and hope like hell he just called and wasnt slowplaying the flush.

rake just pointed out out that there is a 4 straight as well that i missed. id just call it down as well.

Re: **Sigh**
 

I would have bet the flop. A bet there may have forced out someone holding top pair and someone holding rags with an 8. I don't think you are up against a made flush, but it is difficult to say without having shown some aggression on the flop/turn.

I'm guessing a straight took it down.

Re: **Sigh**
 

I thought about raising the river, but now I have a 4 str8 on the board to also think about.

Re: **Sigh**
 

Wow, this is a tough one. I look forward to the other responses.

I'd have played pre-flop the same, because you're not thinning the field substantially with a raise so you might as well have as many folks coming in as possible and hope to spike the set.

The flop is a bit trickier. I see checking along and taking the freebie, but I would probably prefer to bet because when you check you can't be sure where you stand when an EP player bets out on the turn, which is exactly what happened.

On the turn I fold. First, there's a possibility that I'm drawing dead or to two or three outs to tie. Second, even if EP2 only has TP and the rest of 'em are on draws, only three of my outs are clean (8c 8h 8s). I have to think the 8d is no good and even a nine I wouldn't be thrilled about. Even at 10-1 (and I only know it's 9-1 when it gets to me) I don't see making the call, not to mention the (admittedly remote) possibility of a check-raise from the BB or EP1.

On the river you spiked your set, the player in between folded, and you're getting 12-1. Easy call. I would not raise in this spot.

Re: **Sigh**
 

8d gives him a str8 flush - I think that is a clean out.... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: **Sigh**
 

I think you played this ok.

That being said I think someone who bets the flop, turn and river played it ok also.

Option 2 you risk a whole lot more to win more.

So I'd say either way [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Jim

Re: **Sigh**
 

Bet the flop. In exchange for one bet you get a nice mixture of value, free card potential, protection for your hand, deception, and just maybe the truth about what's going on.

It is likely that any made hand will hit you with an immediate checkraise. Unless someone has the nut flush they would need stupid pills to slowplay this board. Strong draws like the A [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] may also checkraise. You can fold with a clear conscience.

Re: **Sigh**
 

I probably would have played it like you did, I just know how my gut feels when the flop comes three suited and I don't have the flush.

If you take time to think about it, though, betting the flop isn't a bad idea, because it would probably thin the field and may get hands either better than yours (T-something) or those with better draws (probably not the A [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] or K [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] but maybe J or Q) to bail. Those with straight draws might also bail. At a minimum, you would buy yourself some information with a small bet. If you are reraised, you can either fold or call. That one-outer 8 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] for the str8 flush just has to be chased, right?? C'mon guys, admit it, it's not about the odds at that stage...lol. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Turn and river are fine, imo. Might have been easier to decide if the flop was bet though.

Re: **Sigh**
 

EP2 shows 33 for the turned set and my river 9 suckout special is good. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Thanks for the comments

TheRake