AJs -- Raise flop or Call?

[therockofgibraltar]

Ok, thanks! DIdn't notice that the pot has grown already quite a bit.

So raising is good no matter what happens (they fold or call) [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[albedoa]

So if the pot were still kind of small, would you call and allow people to stay in?

[therockofgibraltar]

I think that is correct. When the pot is big, you want to play aggressively and maximize your chances to win it.

When the pot is small, you try to build it (when you have a strong hand like this)

[albedoa]

This is a really good thread for those of us who need to realize we should read SSH again this summer. I think I've been playing this hand incorrectly.

[afk]

[ QUOTE ]
So if the pot were still kind of small, would you call and allow people to stay in?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, I would still raise.

One thing that is really common is that people get too zoned in on the flush draw alone and completely forget that we have overcard outs that may also win the pot a fair amount of the time. People also get hell bent on trying to get the most value possible on flush draws they can. With the additional overcard outs your chance of making a hand by the river (and winning) increases - so even if you raise and get one cold caller plus the bettor you still get value on the raise. Raising can buy you ace or jack outs (which increases your chances of winning when you hit) and don't forget it can get you a free card (which is huge!).

[davelin]

Raise because our equity is ginormous and the pot is getting big.

[tangential]

blind post..

This is a prime example where you would like knock out people behind
you to protect your two overcards. You are giving everyone 7.5:1 to call.
This should eliminate all inside straight draws and overcards, maybe a small
pair will fold.

Hope you won.

[tkmoore]

Great flop for you, I raise here. MP3 did not raise PF, so he either figures this flop has missed everyone, he has hit a set, or is on a draw. Being passive is a mistake with this many in the pot.

[AmarilloJim1]

I'd raise to improve my chances of winning and to buy a possible free card.

[KingOtter]

Eee gad, what's happened to me... I said call.

I looked at the hand, and I knew I *could* raise, and that if it came back to me for 2 bets I'd 3-bet it probably (but at that point I wouldn't be looking for overcard outs)... but said call instead, looking for overcalls and building the pot.

Bah. I just found my SSH book over the weekend and definitely need some refresher.

KO