First try at 10 -20 level

[Prufrock]

I play at a very small card room (7 tables). Running 3-6, 10-20, 20-40 Hold'em.
I have never played above 3-6. However, I have been walking all over the 3-6
games lately and was "invited" up to the 10 -20 level last night. Here is the first
hand I played and I have some questions for you gentlemen.

I'm utg with Ad, Jd this game is fairly tight. I limp.
Middle player (solid player) limps.
Small blind (Overly aggresive player) raises.
Large blind (aggresive player) reraises.
Everybody calls

Flop: 10d, 5d, 9c

Small blind bets
Large blind raises
I smooth call
Middle player folds
Small blind reraise
Large blind and myself call

Turn: 9d

Not the very best card but I'll take it.
Small blind bets
Large blind calls
I raise
both call

River: 7 spades

A great card as I'm reading the blinds for high wired pairs or High Ace.
Both check
I bet, they call.

My questions: Do you like the limp preflop with a Tight table?
Anybody three bet the flop?

Results to follow.

[Bob T.]

Invited, huh?

I would have open raised your hand, but because it was suited, I think limping was OK.

I am not sure that I would have called the three bet preflop, but you said that both of these guys are overaggressive, so that is probably ok.

On the flop, I think you made a good call, with aggressive opponents, you could end up paying 5 bets to see the turn.

After that everything was routine. Nice hand.

Did they say 'welcome to the game, kid' after you got pushed the pot [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]?

[J.R.]

I would strongly consider folding for 2 more bets preflop.

I'd raise preflop at this tight table, since worse aces are less likely to limp behind and its nice to take control and establish a tough image. It seems from your "invited" comment that the table is aware your are playing above your normal comfort zone, so they may try to push you around, and a limp invites this.

I wouldn't three-bet the flop, as the preflop and flop aggression, when coupled with the aggressive nature of your opponents in the blinds means you aren't likely to get a free card. Your flush draw is about 2-1 to hit by the river and your ace outs may be good, giving you a slight overlay if 2 opponents call. However, the sb may fold to your three-bet, you still have a 4th player in the pot who called 2 cold preflop who may call 2 more on the flop and your ace outs may get you into trouble against AK or AQ, so I like calling to see how things develop.

[MHoydilla]

"On the flop, I think you made a good call, with aggressive opponents, you could end up paying 5 bets to see the turn." I disagree, is it really that bad to pay 5 bets on the flop with the nut draw againest 2 players? I dont think so, matter of fact I think the 4 bet is a better option here with your position. Also what percentage of the time will it not get 5 bet and checked to you on the turn? If this occurs even 30% of the time I say 4 bet in a second. Another factor is your future perception againest these same players. If you were playing this one hand and ending your poker career maybe calling is better but if these opponents are observant 4 betting here allows you to get paid off easier when u 4bet the same situation with a set. All in all this seems like an easy 4 bet to me, but thats just my opinion.

[J.R.]

Do you 3-bet when facing the orginal 2 on the flop, or do you call and then 4-bet when MP folds and the sb pops it again on the flop.

[MHoydilla]

I 3 bet here, planinng to 5 bet if 4bet. I would not limp with this hand preflop though, would raise pre-flop almost all the time. Another 2 factors that go into this hand that I didnt mention earlier is factor#1 that an ace maybe good enough for a winner here, not likely but maybe, factor #2 you have a backdoor st8 draw as well. Unless your againest a set getting 2-1 on the flop with your position cant be bad, even if there is a set its still not that bad. Bare in mind these plays while I believe will increase your overall EV they will undoubtly add to your variance.

[Prufrock]

Small blind had Ah, 10c and the big blind had Qd, Qc.

Bob you are right about why I just limp in and call the raises
preflop. While I haven't play this game before I have watched
it for quite some time. I knew A, J suited was good enough to continue
had it been off suit it would have been mucked. It's a small card room
and everybody knows everybody.

As to their reaction, well the guys not in the hand really needled the
blinds about letting a "BINGO PLayer" beat them with the flush. We had a
good laugh and, gentlemen, that's the biggest pot ($370) I have ever taken
down.

Thanks again everybody.

[J.R.]

But is there a risk that 3-betting gets it heads'ip with the bb if the sb and mp drop, in addition to the negative implied odds that come with being up against a better Ace. I guess there is a chance that the MP overcalls the flop when you don't raise as well, although the description of Mp as a good player or such leans against him staying for 2 more. I think the flop decision is very interesting.