I hate these spots (who doesn't?)

I'm gonna go against the flow here and advocate 'pulling a Bruiser', as someone here called it - check-call flop, check-call turn (with this card), and hopefully check-check river.

Yes, it sucks to put him in control, but Í don't think you have much of a choice. It's the perfect example of a hand that hates a raise; too good to fold, not good enough to call. Reality is, you're in a crappy spot - out of position on a board with lots of scare cards, and a marginal hand. People don't hate these spots for nothing. There is no easy way to wiggle out of it. Weak play? Perhaps. But ýou're forced into it by the circumstances.

Look at it from this side: if you're gonna have a tough time calling a turn or river big bet, the decision has to be close, and whatever you do, it cannot be VERY wrong. If you're worried that he's taking advantage of your weakness and bluffing you off the best hand, call. If he does this often, calling should be profitable. If he doesn't, you can safely fold even though he might be bluffing some of the time, because mostly he'll be milking you.

Remember, it's no fun firing three barrels into somebody on a bluff. Maybe you're showing weakness but, hell, you are weak. Showing strength instead is nice, but not if it's gonna wind up costing you more.

If you don't set yourself up for a big mistake, such as calling a turn all in with just your pair of jacks, the situation can't be (much) more profitable for him than it will be for you if the spots are reversed.

H