Blind defense, Short Stack vs. Short Stack on the bubble

[RobGW]

Hubble is going to force you to make some tough decisions. Just remember that by putting so much of his stack on a raise, he most likely will call your reraise. Remember, he is desperate too. So I would only push something that has a chance to win. I think your all in raises are proper, however you can't do it too often or you will be called. You are getting to the point where I usually start looking for some gambling opportunities, ie coin flips. I would treat the big stack and Hubble the same way. Any PP, any two broadways, Axs, suited connectors should be pushed.

[triplc]

Yes, patience is a virtue, but at some point you might want to take a chance and push with any two cards, depending upon his style. If he's very loose, you're simply going to have to wait for a hand to play. If he's the type of player that will lay down a hand, then push with any two and hope he's stealing.

The problem with this is obvious...if he has a hand, you are likely to lose. But the benefits are threefold if he folds. First, you pick up a fair chunk of his stack. Second, future raises will likely indicate a hand. Third, once he knows you will play back at him, he's more likely fold and give up his 100, rather than risk 400 or his entire stack. At some point, you have to stick up for yourself and defend. Maybe not the first, maybe not the second, but by the third or fourth time it's probably time to push, and finally put him to a decision for his chips.

Remember, he's on the bubble, too, and he'd much rather see you go up against someone else than risk his own hide.

Play well,

CCC