Blind defense - Bringing a knife to a gun fight

[olavfo]

Preflop is good.

What to do after the flop is very dependent on reads and what has happened previously between the two of you. But you should realize that 88 compares favorably to Villain's hand range and play it accordingly.

If Villain's steal range is any ace, any pair and any two cards 9 or higher (a typical range for a TAG), your equity is 49% on the flop and 53% on the turn (Pokerstove percentages). Even if Villain's preflop cap narrows down this range somewhat you should not be afraid to play back here.

Raising the flop, calling the flop and raising the turn or simply calling down are all viable options.