AKo 5/10
 

Another standard hand but again the opponent is somewhat unconventional: 21/11/3 with a WTSD below 25 after more than 500 hands, so he knows where the Fold button is.

PokerStars 5/10 Hold'em (6 handed) converter

Preflop: Hero is UTG with A[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], K[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img].
<font color="#CC3333">Hero raises</font>, MP calls, <font color="#666666">4 folds</font>.

Flop: (5.50 SB) Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], 3[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 3[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
<font color="#CC3333">Hero bets</font>, MP calls.

Turn: (3.75 BB) 4[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
Hero checks, <font color="#CC3333">MP bets</font>, Hero calls.

River: (5.75 BB) 8[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
Hero checks, <font color="#CC3333">MP bets</font>, Hero calls.

Final Pot: 7.75 BB

Firing on the turn is my default play here against most opponents. But am I correct that checking is the better play here?

Re: AKo 5/10
 

Bet the turn and definitely check-call this river, since the heart draw missed, as did the spade redraw. The only reason to not bet the turn is because you fear being semi-bluff raised on this turn (with two draws on the board and a pseudo-scary paired board), but this opponent may or may not be tricky enough, or even if he is, he may fear that you will three-bet him. So on balance, bet the turn.

Re: AKo 5/10
 

I agree with you that betting is the best against most opponents because you are most often ahead and want to charge him. However knowing this particular opponent's postflop tendencies I think there are two reasons for not betting:

1) He will often not call when behind but may bet when checked to hoping to steal the pot. I think he is never folding a better hand in this spot.

2) Lose the least when behind. I think I'm committed to see a showdown with this. If he has a PP or a Q I don't risk being raised.

Am I really so concerned with a flush draw HU in a small pot?

Re: AKo 5/10
 

I would check/fold the turn.

Re: AKo 5/10
 

[ QUOTE ]
I would check/fold the turn.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why?