Ethics question... fire out that extra raise? (crosspost from SSLHE)

[RJT]

The way you played the hand with the lady more or less answers your own question - you did the right thing - for you. Sounds like you know you did the right thing, again for you (not for everyone, there is no absolute right or wrong here).

I think the key to the way you played was that it was only her second hand. You let her off easy - gave her time to do what she came for - entertainment, maybe learn a bit of the game, etc. You could have won more from her that hand and she would have lost her money (assuming she finally did) sooner and a bit more of it to you.

For me, playing at a B & M is not just about the money. If it is ONLY about the money, why not stay home and play? (Disregarding any discussion of where one can make more money.) Don't get me wrong I don't play lightly, but I think I would of done the same. And I am sure by letting her last a bit longer you got some more entertainment for your money.

[RJT]

BTW - I am not a pro by any means, since you asked for "pros" opinions.

[stinkypete]

[ QUOTE ]

Turn comes J. I'm no expert hand reader, but as the woman throws out her $6 bet I know she didn't make any sort of hand. I contemplate raising, but consider that I have to live with myself at night. I call.


[/ QUOTE ]

if she has no clue what she's doing, you obviously can't get a read on her. she'd do the same thing regardless. and since you can't get a read on her, how can you be so sure she has nothing?

[znup]

It depends. Was she hot?

[alittle]

I think the problem with not raising is that she is 100% guaranteed to lose all of her money and if you don't get it, someone else at the table will. She will probably be fine with losing it and if it all goes to you, then she might get a good story out of it - "I tried to play poker, but there was some young whipper-snapper card sharp at the table that took all my money just like that!"

[ClaytonN]

I would have raised

[Luke]

I didn't read the other responses, so sorry if this is repetitive.

To me this stuff all comes down to why you're playing the game. If you're there with your buddies to have some beers and fun, then maybe you want to let Aunt Milly off easy.

But if you're there with making money and/or developing your skills as the main motivator(s), then I think you should play the game optimally, as consistently as possible.

Aunt Milly will either sink or swim, and may even benefit as she can learn how to play the game. If she doesn't like being raised, well that's part of the game, and she was going to be introduced to that sooner or later anyway.

Also, keep in mind this was 3/6 game and she was playing with $100. Her and her husband probably dropped more than that at the bar on the way down to the cardroom.

And for some of you newer guys, there have been plenty of posts like this in the past. One a while back was about a mentally handicapped dude and a similar question was raised.

A bunch of people said essentially that he sat down on his own free will and alls fair in love and war. You can check the archives if you're interested.

Luke