Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (8 handed) converter

Hero (t2930)
CO (t1765)
Button (t720)
SB (t2225)
BB (t355)
UTG (t1925)
Villain (t2600)
MP1 (t980)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with T[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], T[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img].
<font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, <font color="#CC3333">Villain raises to t400</font>, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, Hero calls t400, <font color="#666666">3 folds</font>, BB calls t255 (All-In).

Flop: (t1205) 4[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], 4[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], 2[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(3 players, 1 all-in)</font>
<font color="#CC3333">Villain bets t600</font>, <font color="#CC3333">Hero ?</font>

Reads: Villain has been looser than average, but nothing too crazy. He was playing a little wild postflop, but preflop he seemed to be limp/calling much more than open raising.

Once he bet the flop I had very mixed feelings about the right play. Pushing seems a little risky, but maximizes my value vs underpairs (77-99 are possible here and won't fold to my push imo) and protects my hand against overcards. I also thought about just calling and re-evaluating on the turn, but I don't like this option very much. I am unable to protect my hand, underpairs may be scared off by an overcard on the turn, and he might push the turn with AK/AQ unimproved and make me fold the best hand. Folding seemed really weak at the time vs this opponent, but I think it definitely has merit. All comments are greatly appreciated.

Also, how would you play in preflop? Any arguments for folding? Re-raising preflop is obviously the worst option (worse hands fold, dominating hands/coinflips push). A call seemed right to me at the time, but given my tough spot on the flop I thought folding might be right.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I think AA/KK are much less likely given the 4xbb preflop raise as opposed to 3xbb that he had been opening for when he did open raise. Based on the way villain was playing, I don't think he would raise AA/KK 4xbb there (I'm not saying its not possible, just not likely).

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I fold pre-flop, and this common situation with undercards on the flop illustrates one of the reasons why. JJ, I probably call.

Having reached this point on the flop, you have to push and hope for the best.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

that's a pretty bad call pf IMO.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

The half pot bet could be a continuation bet with a missed AK/AQ. I think your stack is healthy enough to let this one go..."No set - No Bet".

However, if you think you have the best hand, you need to push and hope he can laydown a flush draw.

John

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

Thanks for the replies, anyone else have any input?

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I fold preflop definitely. At this stage of the game with these blinds I never call, it's always raise or fold.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I would fold this preflop because I don't want to take on the other big stack in this situation. Since you called, I would put in a raise that would pot committ you and your opponent after the flop. Very often when someone puts in a 4 x bb pre-flop raise in this spot, they have a middle pocket pair. You have a good chance to stack your opponent.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

Fold preflop.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I push here often, and its most likely a leak.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I don't get it....

Flush draw or under pair is actually my best guess. He could have ya so I might consider calling and re-evaluating the turn.... but I totally suck in these spots so you should probably do the opposite of what I just said since I understand calling is about the worst option. If you called PF you should probably stick with it here too....

Just my opinion...but I have lots of leaks and this could be one.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

Quick question for those who suck less than me:

Why does calling preflop suck here?

10 10 isn't the greatest raising hand....
Theres no antes.... I guess I might have underestimated the pot. (T550) worth taking by pushing it through....but then only to get called only by JJ+....so I don't see the horribleness of calling and seeing what comes out.

I *DO* think that you should make a decision pre-flop wether or not you have the best hand at that moment....that decision would help you to know to push here or fold here w/no set....

someone explain this to me 'cuz I suck and think calling this PF isn't so bad....

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

With you showing no real aggression preflop, doesn't this look more like a continuation bet with an AK/Q/J? But i think i would have either folded or reraised preflop like most people said. The way the hand turned out i would probably reraise and fold to an all-in. Or is not shoving the wrong play here since it risks too many of my chips?

edit: nvm i see now i would be pot commited so i should all-in or fold.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

you guys are too worried about playing your cards rather than playing the situation. The fact of the matter is a big stack came in for a 400 raise, and has put in a bet on the flop. You really have no idea if your hand is good or not. You have a very healthy stack and can coast to the bubble without getting involved in a confrontation with another big stack.

Re: Stars $27, Overpair in a raised pot
 

I ended up pushing the flop and he showed me JJ and took it down. In retrospect folding preflop was probably the best play, but I don't hate how I played it.