The Merits of Check Behind on the Flop In a HU Blind Steal

[ipp147]

Hi Toss,

Here are my thoughts.

The first thing I do is tighten up my blind steals somewhat and remove some of the more marginal hands that are difficult to showdown as winners unimproved (T9s/JTo etc).

Obviously a large component of our profit from the button/steal situation is fold equity which isn't the case for you here.

The second thing I do is to check the turn the next time I have a decent made hand (even if it is slightly vunerable) and then raise the river when they bet (this tends to slow them more than if you just call)

A couple of other things to bear in mind. I always look at the guy's plan out of the blinds in similar situations to see if he does this auto-bet, some players do it 100% of the time. Obviously the greater frequency I see them doing this the more marginal a hand I need to call down.

Also, despite what alot of SSSH will tell you it is not illegal to open limp on the CO if the BB is defending alot. I need a really co-operative and predictive SB for this.

If they are really annoying you then don't be afraid to move tables.

I'd be interested in hearing other peoples point of view.