[Rizen]

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I think this move overall with 12 BB is -EV. You are getting called by hands that dominate you, to win 1200 chips? From UTG?

How about putting in a 3xBB raise, or limping and then calling a small raise, and seeing a flop?

I think my line with this hand and position is (In order):

1. 3xBB
2. Tricky/scared min-raise
3. Call
4. Fold
5. All In

4 and 5 are WAY behind the other options. I dont have the self control to fold 88 here with 12xBB. The more I think about it, I might min-raise here. It gives the illusion of power. It scares people. And in general, wins the blinds with alot less risk. If someone romps on you, you can easily fold and be happy with yourself.

Nick

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I'm 100% with Chief here. Pushing here likely either steals you the blinds or gets you called by a hand you're WAY behind. Although I probalby raise to either 1500 or 1600 (I like the way the extra 1k chip looks!) and not the full 3x the BB. I find that this stage a 2.5 ish raise works just as well as a 3x, and if someone behind you pushes you'll save chips when you have to fold. It'll also allow you to make a continuation/value bet on the flop without committing your entire stack..

One thing also to note. Players are typically passive right before the bubble bursts, and then there is a series of massive aggression just after it bursts as those waiting to make the money try desperately to build chips. Right after the bubble bursts is the time to hope you catch some cards so you can pick these aggressive players off, not the time to make marginal moves, as IMO you're more likely to get called here than just before the bubble breaks.

-Rizen