Aggressive with 88 from EP

[Wally Weeks]

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Implicit question: Does anyone have any opinions about the way I played this hand?

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I probably would bet out on the flop to see in the unlikely event my opponent folding. If raised on this flop, we probably know that we're behind a big PP. Depending how aggressive your opponent is he may be on two overcards + possible BDFD or straight draw in an attempt for a freecard play. I would think that this is less likely to happen. In either event, check/raising would ensure you get either 2 or 3 bets to see the turn...betting out and calling a raise ensures you see only 1 or 2 bets; most likely 1 bet on this board. 2 bets would help give you more of a read. A check-raise would simply force your opponent to at least call giving the impression that you flopped the straight or have a set. In this case he'll probably just call you down if he improves or already has a big pair in the hole.

I'd bet out on the turn, if I thought my opponent would either muck or call. If you think he'd raise you on the turn w/ AK or something then check/calling is better. Not betting out seems weak to me though. If he raises the turn, it would definitely be easy to throw your hand away on the river UI.

If your opponent calls the turn you're definitely behind so check/folding is best.