88 SB, overpair

[damaniac]

I think just calling the flop is a no-brainer. I have the best hand at that point a large majority of the time. However, I will have the best hand at showdown much, much less. My equity is low and so I want to catch a blank on the turn before making a move. If the bet had come from late position I of course c/r.

When the 6 hit on the turn and the slightly passive TAG bet again, it all but eliminated (IMO) draws and middle pair hands from his range. Basically I'm now looking at top pair turned trips, a boat, straight, or some other good hand. About the only hand I can put him on that I'm ahead of now is 77, and he might well check that. Even if I'm wrong and his turn betting range is somewhat wider, someone else will either have me beat, or beat me on the river, a lot of the time, while I'm probably drawing to 2 outs. This was my thinking anyway.

[The Goober]

Tough spot. In the heat of the moment I'd probably just bet out the flop, but I like your line better. It's worth risking it getting checked through (or an EP bet) because CRing here is so attractive. I agree that just calling the flop bet is betting than CRing the whole field.

On the turn, I think I like donk/fold, although check/fold is a close second. I guess it comes down to how likely the other players are to just call the flop with top pair (as a lot of passive players would do with a weak pair). The problem is, what if it gets checked to a LP player who now bets? If you CR, you could end up isolating yourself against a 6 or a flush draw with two overcards. On one hand you are drawing very thin, and on the other your equity still isn't great.

Ideally, I'd donk the turn and only get a caller or two, then I'd check the river and get a free showdown. Sounds silly, but really passive players are great for crap like this.

Given your line, I like your fold.