Multiple decision points with AJs

[Sam T.]

Okay, assuming I don't fold, how do you react if

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (9 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

UTG (t18225)
UTG+1 (t24550)
MP1 (t2475)
MP2 (t35342)
MP3 (t2193)
CO (t40261)
Hero (t22775)
SB (t13999)
BB (t24781)

Preflop: Hero is Button with J, A.
2 folds, MP1 calls t200, 1 fold, MP3 raises to t2193, 1 fold,

Possibility one:
Hero raises to t5000, SB pushes, MP2 calls...there is now t27k in the pot, and ~8k to Hero. Seems like it's pretty close, but I'd lean towards a fold. SB is not doing this with TT, and I'm drawing to three outs in most other cases.

Possibility Two:
Hero calls, SB pushes, and MP1 calls. Now it's t12k to hero, with 18k in the pot, or 1.5:1. Another fold, I assume?

Then what really happened:
Hero called, SB pushed, BB pushed, MP2 called. t41k in the pot, t20 to call. Hero auto-mucks. Hands in white below:

<font color="white">SB had QQ, BB had AJ(hunh?). Not that it matters, but the flop came all hearts. </font>

[Exitonly]

yea i think they're both folds.

[woodguy]

[ QUOTE ]
i dont like this because i think if the blinds were going to get involved at 2k, they'll probably still get invovled for 5k, and i don't really want them in this, and if they come in, i want to be in for the minimum.

[/ QUOTE ]

I see your point, but I don't want to invite them in with really good pot odds and fantastic implied odds.

If I raise I have a much better idea of what they are holding than if I flat call.

I flat call here with AA to invite some overcalls, but not with AJs, I want them to define their hand as early as possible if they want to play.

edit: and I really, really, really only want to play against the PF pusher here with this hand

Regards,
Woodguy

[AceofSpades]

[ QUOTE ]
I like Folding &gt; Calling &gt; Raising &gt; Pushing

I fold here because you MIGHT have the best hand, but you won't know, even after the flop, unless it comes AJx or 3 of your suit. Because those 2 scenarios are going to be rare, you're going to have another tough decision after the flop. What if the flop comes 6 2 A? Do you feel confident enough in your kicker after a preflop raise?

[/ QUOTE ]

I like Raising or Folding. Calling or pushing aren't even close.

Why:

1. Short stack is probably pushing a worse hand than you

2. Other opponents know this and will probably call with most hands they limped with

3. A raise shows strength and says "back off, I have a good hand"

4. Instead of calling a raise from a weak hand, you are making opponents call a raise + reraise from a strong hand

5. If you isolate short stack, then you might win his stack + dead money in pot with ace high if neither pairs.

6. If you call here, you are playing a huge pot with the possibility that someone else flops a king or queen and wins it.

7. If you push there is always the possibility that BB has JJ, QQ, KK, AA, AQ, or AK, and will instantly call.

[AceofSpades]

[ QUOTE ]


i dont like this because i think if the blinds were going to get involved at 2k, they'll probably still get invovled for 5k, and i don't really want them in this, and if they come in, i want to be in for the minimum.

but, maybe i'm being a pussy.

[/ QUOTE ]

you don't think they would view a reraise from a deep stacked player, as much stronger than an all-in from a short stack? I know I would.