5/10 - Do I want to protect this?
 

I really wasn't sure if I wanted to protect this on the flop or go for overcalls. What do you think?

PokerStars 5/10 Hold'em (7 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

Preflop: Hero is BB with Q[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 5[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]. CO posts a blind of $7.
<font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, MP1 calls, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, CO (poster) checks, Button calls, SB completes, Hero checks.

Flop: (5.40 SB) 4[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], Q[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], 8[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(5 players)</font>
<font color="#CC3333">SB bets</font>, Hero?

Re: 5/10 - Do I want to protect this?
 

I'd raise. You can't really go wrong either way: if your opponents call that's good because you have great equity. if they fold that's fine too because you have a better chance of your queen holding up.

you'll be ahead of SB often enough (there are enough draws available)... and there is a small chance you fold a better queen, which would be a coup.

Re: 5/10 - Do I want to protect this?
 

Yeah, this is a pretty easy raise &amp; cap if possible. If you have the best hand here you're vulnerable to overcards coming, and if you're going to turn your flush you'd like to get the A or K[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] to fold now if they're out there. Raising could also clear up your two pair outs if you're behind and your raise convinces somebody to (correctly) give up their gutshot draw to a 67.

Re: 5/10 - Do I want to protect this?
 

you need to raise PF with Granny Mae. Thats the best starting hand you can have.

On a serious note. Raise, you may get a free card out of the deal. If not you are getting alot of money in the pot with a good draw and TP.

Melch