Semi-bluff 3-bet?

[maxor]

I understand the point of a semi-bluff, however I'm not sure how often I should be, if at all, 3-betting as a semi-bluff. Sometime I'll find myself 3-betting the flop and telling myself that it's a semi-bluff when I think in reality I'm just trying to justify the raise.

Let's say it's a 6-max 5/10 game and you're dealt:

A [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 9 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]

The flop is:

9 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Q [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 4 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

If I'm in late position and there is a bet and raise, can I justify a 3-bet here as a semi-bluff to either induce the original bettor to fold or to win with my other 14 outs? (2 nines, 3 aces, 9 spades)

[Klepton]

for 6 max, this is actually a very good play

i would probably bet the turn if checked to and then check the river UI (unimproved)

also 6max in late position this is a raise pf

[pzhon]

Did you mean the flop to be 9[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 4[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] so that you have a pair and the nut flush draw? That is a very strong hand. It's not a bluff to 3-bet. You are 3-betting for value, since you expect to win much more than 33% if both players call.

If you only have a middle pair and a back-door flush draw, I think you should fold when there is a bet and a raise in front of you unless the pot is large or your opponents are maniacs.

It's hard to (semi)bluff 3-bet in limit unless you think the raise is likely to have been a bluff. You apply a lot of pressure to the initial bettor, but someone who raises is not likely to fold to one more bet. However, you may want to 3-bet to get a free card and to get paid off when your draw hits.

[SheridanCat]

[ QUOTE ]
If you only have a middle pair and a back-door flush draw, I think you should fold when there is a bet and a raise in front of you unless the pot is large or your opponents are maniacs.


[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a 6-max specialist at all, but I think folding is a fairly weak move. Middle pair with top kicker isn't bad in these games in my experience - which is limited.

I would suggest the original poster might be better off posting this question to the Short-handed Forum.

Regards,

T

[maxor]

[ QUOTE ]
I would suggest the original poster might be better off posting this question to the Short-handed Forum.

Regards,

T

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought about that, but feared the abuse I might receive. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[maxor]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you mean the flop to be 9[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Q[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 4[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] so that you have a pair and the nut flush draw?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Thanks for noticing that. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]