Violating a Cardinal Rule (Stud High)

[vintage_sara]

In a short-handed game I don't think the call is bad necessarily on 4th street as it most likely is in a ring game. My call would likely depend on the player and the fact that I am also building a semi-straight albeit with a 10 out on 3rd street.

At times I might even raise here depending on the player as he is likely to stay high now with the open pair and if I hit an open pair I will have either three queens as you got, kings and queens or queens and jacks...hands that all potentially fill to beat 7s full or any other smaller full that the might he drawing to. I also have the option to possibly check fifth and see 6th for free.

I would more often bet out on 5th street here rather manuveur for the check-raise, which I assume you are doing. The reason being is that you might actually get raised on 5th if he actually has the three sevens, which will give you the opportunity to three bet it.

If he has two pair, like most average players, he will continue to call you all the way down trying to fill in a way that he might get beat if you complete your hand as well.

I think the call on 4th is fine but I like a bet out on fifth street better than trying for a check-raise. Nice hand either way.