Hand from the 2+2 SnG

[NotMitch]

Its very early in a 2 table SnG everyone is right around 1500 and the blinds are 15/30, you are UTG with A [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] Q [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], and there is a table full of 2+2er's left to act behind you, how do you play and why?

[DougBrennan]

If it's me, I bet 3xBB, get called, watch the flop miss me, bet the pot, get re-raised all-in, call, and go down in flames to trips.

But that's just me. [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

What I'd *like* to do is raise 3xBB and then play intelligently from that point, folding to any serious pressure pre-flop, or post-flop if I miss.

[William]

I'll just fold, AQ UTG is nothing but trouble. I'm quite sure there will be plenty of opportunities to trap the "tight squad" later on [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Take care,
William

[DougBrennan]

William,

I'm curious. Another well-respected poster here, I think it may be Kurn, and now you, have both talked about tossing AQ UTG. I have no doubt you are right, but it flies in the face of logic, at least my logic. To me, AQ has a decent shot at being the best starting hand in any given hand, and why not bet it some and see what happens?

Granted that if you play it like an idiot, as I did tonight (actually tonight was AJ for me, but the priciple was the same) you can lose you butt, but assuming reasonable, thoughtful play, where do the problems lie?

I think I'm looking for some ideas that would help me fold AQ, because it always *seems* too tight when I do so, or even think about it.

[jpg777]

[ QUOTE ]
If it's me, I bet 3xBB, get called, watch the flop miss me, bet the pot, get re-raised all-in, call, and go down in flames to trips.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually that should read check-raised all-in [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img], but never mind that. I like the 3-4XBB raise, and I agree with dbrennan on the rest.

Jeff

[CrisBrown]

Hi NotMitch,

I'd limp and see what happens. I'll call a 3xBB raise with it, but I'd rather not make the open-raise and get reraised off of it, and I don't want to get pot-committed on it. If it hits nicely, fine. If not, I'm out ... unless I'm in a 2+2 event, in which case I'll check-raise all-in and get my bottom kicked out....

Cris

[ohkanada]

Make it 100 to go. You will find out if AQ is in trouble soon enough!

Ken Poklitar

[letitbleed]

I think it's too early to raise 3xbb pre-flop utg with any hand but qq kk aa. I would just limp and hope to see the flop cheap with a handsome hand. I also might min. raise to clear out some bargain hunters.
-bleed

[William]

Doug,

If I am in LP, I would also raise (or reraise) with Aq, but UTG it's just too many problems.
When you get called, it will normally be by a better hand AK or pair
When you get reraised, you have to let it go(or go yourself shortly after [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img])
When You hit an A, Ak is counting your chips [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
When you don't hit. What then? A check will allways be followed by a bet. A bet will often just cost you extra chips.
The only good scenario, it's in fact when the flop comes Q high, and then you probably won't win any more chips
If you are playing shorthanded, it's another story. Then you want to raise big and either go all-in or get the blinds.

I must strongly disagree with those players that just limp along and see what happens. The good stuff just doesn't happen often enough.

Don't fall in love with your cards, even if they look pretty, you must be very selective when playing full table UTG, another hand will soon be coming your way.

Take care,
William

[Pitcher]

Hi All,

I think this depends on the game. I think AQ is just slightly too good to toss in the game you describe. The blinds are too small and I have the discipline to get away from this hand. I will mini-raise to clear some of the possible callers. If re-raised (other than a mini-reraise) I will toss it. If the flop misses, I will usually check and fold (as always, it depends on the table)
Now let's change the scenario slightly. $30 Party Sit N Go, everyone has roughly $800 chips. Now I am with William - "Auto - Toss" mode! You just can't afford to get involved this early in this type of tourney. I would say almost the same thing on a $50 Party with $1000 chips.

Pitcher