K8s flops middle pair. Raise or call flop?

[AviD]

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Interesting problem and I could see doing it either way.

This is a pretty dry flop except for gutshots. It disturbs me that SB would lead 4-handed and a TAG calls from second seat.

My vote is to call, see an important card, and then figure out what to do:

1. SB is unlikely to lead again with junk into several callers. I'll have a better idea about him after I see his turn action.

2. Straight forward TAG will tell me the truth about his hand. If he's got something he'll make his move on the turn whether SB bets or not.

3. Based on your one-hand read Button is apt to react immediately if the flop has hit him. Anyway his flop action will certainly give me a better idea whether he is going to be a problem.

A side benefit of calling is everyone is apt to misread me for overcards.

The bombs away raise approach is also viable and could pay dividends in protecting your hand. But it probably commits you to investing more money than this hand may be worth. Another overcard to the eight would not be pretty.

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I like all of this.