SB, Unraised Pot, Big Draw

[matt holland]

Prima No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (10 handed)

HERO ($69.10)
BB ($92.20)
MP1 ($55.00)
MP3 ($126.35)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 10[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 7[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] . SB posts a blind of $.50
3 folds, MP1 calls, fold, MP3 calls, 2 folds, Hero calls $.50, BB checks.

Flop: ($4) J[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] , 7[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] , 8[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] (4 players)
<font color="red"> Hero bets $4, MP1 raises to $8, </font> Hero?

Villain is fishy. 49/2 over 53 hands
My image is ~ 21/13 and I hadn’t done anything out of line.

With a drawing hand I wanted to make a big play on the flop and ensure as much folding equity as possible. I wasn’t going to go for a check-raise because I feel that screams I have a big draw and no made hand.

Now this is Prima, where I have found the minraise is the favorite weapon of choice of my opponents. In my experience check minraises are used by players who want you to put in the 3rd bet so you’ll commit yourself. Positional minraises I have found to be buying a free card/building a pot with a big draw just as often as a big hand that wants you to commit.

So I ask:
Was it a good idea to lead?
Should my play now be to shove?
Will I be a favorite over any hand that calls? (I’m thinking no)

My problem understanding this hand is that I have lots of cards that help me, but it will be tough to know which ones help me. Also, cards that help me may help villain as well or scare him into not putting much else into the pot.

Any help appreciated.

[swolfe]

call and check/raise the turn when you improve, check/call if you didn't