couple of hands from stars $215

[Roswell]

Here’s a couple of hands from the Stars $215 that I found difficult:

1. Early on, blinds are 50/100, I have 4000. I post the 50 small blind. Three limpers and I complete the SB with 56o. Big blind checks. The flop is

2d 4d 6c

Should I lead out (into 4 people) or check here? If I check, and someone bets the size of the pot, how should I proceed?

2. Later on, I have 4500 chips and the blinds are 75/150. I pick up 88 in middle position and make it 450. A guy named “bet2win” flats call behind me. He has 8500. (I think he’s a top tourney player, but I’m not sure.) Pot is now 1125. The flop is

Js 7s 2

I bet 1000 trying to show strength. Bet2win flat calls. The turn is an offsuit 3. I didn’t like his flat call, so I check. He thinks for a long time. Then he pushes. I have about 3000 left, which is plenty of chips if I fold. I figure he could have the following hands: AsKs/AsQs, AJ, or a set. He is either semibluffing or he has me beat. Should I look him up?