First of Many
 

The last two sessions of stud that I've played, I've lost a ton. I'm wondering if I'm just running badly or if there is some basic flaw in my game that I need to address. The first session was about a month ago at 3/6, but unfortunately I didn't save any HHs from it. It was so brutal that I just took a break from stud and built my bankroll back up playing the low-limit NL hold 'em tables and some SNGs. Sat down at 2/4 today and got raped again. I need help. So I'm going to be posting some hands over the next week or so that I'd appreciate comments on. My apologies to any who don't like reading what they consider boring or ordinary hands, but please understand that I'm questioning almost every mundane decision that I make and need reinforcement or chastisement (whichever you guys deem necessary).

Anyway, here's a hand.

7 Card Stud High ($2/$4), Ante $0.25, Bring-In $1 (hand converter)

3rd Street - (0.63 SB)

Seat 1: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]___folds
Seat 2: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]___calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]___calls
Hero: A[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] J[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]___calls
Seat 8: xx xx 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]___brings-in

4th Street - (2.63 SB)

Seat 2: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] K[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]___checks___calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 3[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]___checks___folds
Hero: A[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] J[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]___bets
Seat 8: xx xx 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 9[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]___calls

5th Street - (2.81 BB)

Seat 2: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] K[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]___calls
Hero: A[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] J[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]___bets
Seat 8: xx xx 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 9[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] T[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]___calls

6th Street - (5.81 BB)

Seat 2: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] K[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] A[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]___raises
Hero: A[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] J[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] 8[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]___checks___folds
Seat 8: xx xx 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 9[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] T[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 4[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]___bets___calls

River - (9.81 BB)

Seat 2: xx xx 3[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] K[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] A[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] xx___bets___calls
Seat 8: xx xx 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 9[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] T[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 4[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] xx___raises

Total pot: (13.81 BB)

Results:
Main Pot: $53.25 | Rake: $2

Seat 2: [ As Qs 3d Kc Qc Ad 7d ] [ two pairs, aces and queens -- As,Ad,Kc,Qs,Qc ]

Re: First of Many
 

I think you played this hand alright, there's not much to be afraid of out there, and betting when you caught another heart sets up a possible steal if you catch another one. Alternatively, you coulda have tried to play it like split queens and raised third, but no one was going anywhere. Most importantly, you folded when you knew you were way behind.
Of the other hand, I guess I like the deception on fourth, but it's probably a waste at this level.

Re: First of Many
 

You are not giving anything up by folding on 3rd. If you are having -sessions I suspect you maybe going to far with these marginal hands so its probably better to just give them up for now unless they have another redeeming factor like a 2 flush.

Re: First of Many
 

[ QUOTE ]
You are not giving anything up by folding on 3rd. If you are having -sessions I suspect you maybe going to far with these marginal hands so its probably better to just give them up for now unless they have another redeeming factor like a 2 flush.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agree'd, it's very easy to play too many marginal hands in 7stud, and 7CSFAP tends to encourage this. A random "high bag" is basicly good for ante stealing and little else. No point in playing out outside of that context.

Re: First of Many
 

[ QUOTE ]
3rd Street - (0.63 SB)

Seat 1: xx xx 3___folds
Seat 2: xx xx 3___calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8___calls
Hero: XX XX Q___calls
Seat 8: xx xx 2___brings-in


[/ QUOTE ]

The call on 3rd tells me that you do not have a pair of split Q's, and no hidden pair of A's or K's, so either you are slow playing trips, have a small pair with the Q kicker or a drawing hand.

On 4th, I'm cautious of the potential 4-flush, and when the next 2 cards are blanks to a flush and the straight threat is gone, I'm back to thinking 2 small pair at best and bet accordingly.

Re: First of Many
 

In small stakes games look for reasons to fold offsuit broadway gappers. If you are learning/running bad: just fold these. They are like k9s in LMP in LHE. They need a lot of help and if your play on later streets is rough it's probably better just to leave them out... JMO.

Re: First of Many
 

Hey Spladle,

I am guilty of playing these hands sometimes too - more likely if I know I can limp and get away with it and the hand is very live. However, I think when you brick on fourth you have to throw it away.

Also, if you are running bad it could be best to not even play these at all until your confidence is back. Otherwise you will find yourself feeling you have to chase when a glimmer of hope shows up like the pair of 7's. Then you go from bad to worse if you try to force marginal hands. If you are going to give these marginal hands a shot, then you must have rock solid discipline to throw them away fast if they don't improve.

Re: First of Many
 

[ QUOTE ]
In small stakes games look for reasons to fold offsuit broadway gappers. If you are learning/running bad: just fold these. They are like k9s in LMP in LHE. They need a lot of help and if your play on later streets is rough it's probably better just to leave them out... JMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

What he said, I'd also like to add that I've won about 2% of these hands that I've played. They just suck. Just remind yourself, "I'm not playing Hold 'Em hands."

Re: First of Many
 

i didn't read this.

but you have a realatively tight stucture. fold 3rd.

Re: First of Many
 

high bags are good in tounreys. you nonly get 12 hands per round on average. so if you have a high card up and a decent shot a stealing high bags are great.