when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

NL Texas Hold'em $50 Buy-in + $5 Entry Fee
Level:5 Blinds(75/150)

Seat 2 is the button
Total number of players : 5

<font color="red"> Seat 4: SB ( $500 )
Seat 5: BB (Hero) ( $1365 )</font>
Seat 2: Button ( $2390 )
Seat 6: MP ( $2915 )
Seat 8: UTG ( $2830 )
Trny:14376369 Level:5
Blinds(75/150)
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Hero [ 3[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 5[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] ]
3 folds, SB is all-In.

Hero calls [350].

So my thinking here was that I was getting almost 2:1 on the call (it was actually 1.86:1). Even against AKo, 53o is only a 1.76:1 dog. When a call is close like this and I have an opportunity to knock a player out I like to take it. Plus, when I have opportunities like this I like to call as it sometimes will discourage others at the table from stealing against me in future hands.

If you disagree with this call, then how small does SB's push have to be to call here?

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

I very much disagree with this call. Not only are you going to be a huge underdog to pretty much any two cards, but you're calling off a quarter of your stack to make this call. Calling and losing will make you a huge underdog ITM, and doubling him up will make you about even-stacked and you will have a very difficult time getting in the money. Very bad call.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

I think SB is pushing any 2 here, right? So I guess that means you would have to call this. Before making calls like these, I typically like to look at what the siutation would be if I folded the hand.

Situation: You have 1115 in chips, SB has 725. SB may push from the button on the next hand, taking your push from the SB away. This could be good or bad. If he gets called and loses, it's good. If he steals the blinds, it's bad (you guys would be about even).

My Opinion: I might fold this if this blind level just started. If ithe blinds are going up soon, though, I think your call is correct.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

First of all, you have to take into account that you're not always as good as a 1.76:1 dog.

The real problem with calling here is that you're risking 25% of your stack at a point in the game where every little bit helps. Calling when the odds are in your favor is +EV, but not when the chips you're risking represent such a large percentage of your stack.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

You lose all fold equity if you call and lose this and you will be crippled vs. the big stacks. Sometimes you just have to throw pot odds out the window in tournaments and this is a spot where you should.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

I disagree about losing my FE. . . I thought I would still have a sufficient amount. obviously not as much as I would like. . . but still some.

So again I will ask the question. . . if you disagree with this call, then how small does the SB's push have to be here for you to make the call?

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

[ QUOTE ]
So again I will ask the question. . . if you disagree with this call, then how small does the SB's push have to be here for you to make the call?

[/ QUOTE ]

It varies based on your read. If you're sure he's pushing any two, I'd probably call about 400 or less. If he's been super-tight, then I'd call about 300 or less.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

Best case, if you can absolutely put him on any two you're getting the correct odds by a slim margin. Since he's leaving the blinds, he can see three more hands for free. For this reason, I would give him credit for something better than any two, and I don't believe you're getting the correct odds.

If you're stack was much larger, you could possibly justify a call here to take a chance to eliminate him. I probably wouldn't, and certainly not with your stack.



[ QUOTE ]
If you disagree with this call, then how small does SB's push have to be to call here?

[/ QUOTE ]

I would call if the SB raised all-in to between 350 and 400 and nobody else had limped in earlier (and had a chance to act behind me).

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

Looks like a (marginally) +CEV play but you're not sacrificing future fold equity since your stack can take the hit. I worry that you'd lose this most of the time and you'd make yourself the short stack with a level increase just around the corner.

I would wonder if you might have a better edge in the next two hands. Plus your edge from the pot isn't THAT big right now against a random hand.

If the table is very aggressive at this point -- ie, the SB doesn't often get a chance to open -- then I'd be more inclined to call here since I need any edge I can get on such a table. If the table were tighter, I think I'd rather fold now since I'm more confident I can steal the blinds later.

I have a hunch that the ICM won't heavily favor a call or a fold.

Re: when is calling an all-in w/ 53o correct? (50+5)
 

[ QUOTE ]
I disagree about losing my FE. . . I thought I would still have a sufficient amount. obviously not as much as I would like. . .

[/ QUOTE ]
You make a good point here.

[ QUOTE ]
how small does the SB's push have to be here for you to make the call?

[/ QUOTE ]
I'd probably call this getting 2:1 or better for 10% or less of my stack.