Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

After a long (two hours) seat wait, I finally get in a seat at the Bellagio 30-60 game. But what a bad table--pretty tight with some missed blind buttons on the felt.

I'm dealt A[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] in the big blind. One EP call, and a raise from solid, aggressive MP. Folded to you.
Do you call?

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

In this situation, you have someone that's raised a limper, it's not like he open raised on the button. Were you watching the game before you sat down? Is the EP loose weak? If so, perhaps the MP is isolating. But without any better information a "default" route is indicated.

I'd want to be suited or have a big A, J or better here. You have neither, so it's a fold for me.

Also, I hope that you asked Boba to put you on the table change list.

part two
 

I called, EP called. EP is new to the game so I don't have much on him. The flop comes:

A[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 10[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] 5[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img].

I bet, EP raises, preflop raiser folds and I call. I really should have let it go here. Agree?

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

In Vegas, I'd let it go. I fel like I'm not going to win much from somebody who has a big pocket apair if an ace flops.

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

It's not blind defense if the raiser wasn't looking to steal (and it can't be a blind steal if there's a limper). It's an easy muck here all the way up to ATo depending on how good the EP limper is. I'd fold A7s here as well.

results
 

I called the raise.

Turn was the 4[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]. I checked and called EP's bet.

River was the 10 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]. Check, check. EP had A9o and MHWNG.

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

Not really a defense situation, correct?

Beyond that, given that MP raised a player that already entered the pot from EP, I tend to play this as if EP had raised and nobody else entered the pot (e.g. fold).

After that, I think your flop lead and calling his raise is reasonable - given that he may raise you with JJ-KK to see where he stands, and also force out MP. This line lets to get to showdown the cheapest. I'm trying to think of a better way to play it, and folding the to the flop raise seems better than check/calling all the way down.

-Ash

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

This hand came up tonight in a live 10-20 game with a half kill and its somewhat similar to the OP's. I was in the BB with A [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]2 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] and its a kill pot. Total maniac UTG posts the kill and immediately raises. He's been raising in EP with all kinds of junk like 67 (soooted of course), K9, whatever. One EP donk cold calls and a very solid MP player reraises. Folded around to me. I fold. Was this a good fold or a mistake?

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

Do you limp on the button w/A7o?

Re: Ax blind defense--how big must the x be?
 

This sounds like a good fold. Clearly the first two characters aren't expected to have a hand, but if the MP re-raised is solid, then your fold is good. It seems unlikely that pairing your ace will win this pot. Also, you won't be closing the action and are getting a horrible price to see a diamond-filled flop.

-Ash