JTs Blind Defense

[mmanne]

So, what about the river check-call? Is that the best line?

matt

[Redeye]

[ QUOTE ]
i don't like the flop check-raise

[/ QUOTE ]

It probably doesn't apply to this situation, but I like doing this against a decent, somewhat thinking opponent. I can use it later on a ragged flop when I have nothing in order to make villian lay down overcards. I think mixing it a little with betting out will keep villian on guard when attacking your blinds.

[ErrantNight]

i think he meant bet the flop.

[ErrantNight]

i'm inclined to bet. but i'd have considered reraising preflop, too, in some circumstances.

[shant]

[ QUOTE ]
So, what about the river check-call? Is that the best line?

matt

[/ QUOTE ]
I don't understand, is the Q a scary card, or are you trying to induce a bluff? I would bet because in steal-resteal situations, people are inclined to call the river-bet with a lot less than they normally would.

[Fat Nicky]

[ QUOTE ]
i think he meant bet the flop.

[/ QUOTE ]

yep, i like betting the flop best, if raised, call...then check-raise the turn.

in my experience, players that try to steal blinds will try again to steal by raising the flop making it the perfect opportunity to trap them for more bets.

[SA125]

Betting and folding to a raise is for hands a lot less stronger than this. I'd c/r before I'd fold to one here.

[MisterKing]

[ QUOTE ]
i'm inclined to bet. but i'd have considered reraising preflop, too, in some circumstances.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm quite surprised there hasn't been more of a clamor for this elsewhere in the thread. JTs isn't superb hot-and-cold, but it is a strong hand against what could be almost any two cards (on a pure steal). Against players capable of folding on later streets, a 3-bet pre-flop may be warranted to "seize the initiative." Against loose, non-thinking fish, you want to call 100% of the time and play the rest of the way for value. I think doing so dictates a check/call, check/raise, bet line.

The Q on the river is not a scare card, but against a super LAG I do consider lead-checking to induce a bluff. Thing is, if he's prone to call (as he has all hand long), why give him the chance to check behind? Looks like he'll call a bet no matter what here.

[ErrantNight]

to be sublimely obvious: the ability of your opponent to fold headsup is imperative to make raising correct... as you don't have a hand with showdown value unless you hit.