[ssomega]

Live $100 Max buy-in NL game at area casino.

$1/$2 blinds.

Stack sizes: I had approx $190 and my opponent had $170.

I was CO and opponent was BB.

The guy to my left was on the button and was raising alot after it was limped to him. I had lost many of my $2 limps to him.

I pick up pocket aces. Everyone folds to me so I figured I would limp and the guy next to me would bet his normal $15 or $20 in this situation. Instead, he folded. SB folds and BB raises to $10. I just called.

Flop comes 6, J, 10.

BB checks.

I bet $20 and he called. Should I have bet more?

My thoughts at the time were that he had either AK or 99-QQ pocket pairs. Something told me to be careful by the way he called.

Turn was a 4 or something. No flush draw on board.

He checked again. I felt I might be behind, but hoped he had AK or QQ. I bet $40 and he called again.

River card was an ace!!!! Now Im hoping he has 10,10 or J,J.

He checks again and I go all-in with my remaining $130 or so.

He thinks for what seemed like 2 minutes and finally calls. I was thinking if he has to think this long then I have it for sure.

I show my 3 aces and he flips over KQ for the nut str8.

Please tell me how I should have played this hand and if there was any way I could have not lost my stack here. I never considered he had KQ. I think I was so relieved when the ace fell that it clouded my judgement.

Thanks in advance,
-Steve