Protecting Hand

[dvashun]

Just a general question about how to protect big pair from EP when flush draw comes on flop. As an example, UTG +1 with AKo, preflop raise with 3 callers and the blinds compete. Flop comes A [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] 6 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 2 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] and you are hold two red cards. Is it better to check hoping for check-raise/lead the turn or lead the flop knowing that the draws are getting the correct odds to call? These hands drive me nuts, I feel like both plays are wrong but I generally lead out unless someone else has shown preflop aggression.

[Kuanti]

I would lead out since no one showed aggression preflop. I wouldn't risk giving the flush-drawers a free card, and someone with an Ace might raise your bet and put the drawers in a tough situation.

[KaiShin]

Do you really want to see this flop checked through? Just lead it.

[Delphin]

[ QUOTE ]
Just a general question about how to protect big pair from EP when flush draw comes on flop. As an example, UTG +1 with AKo, preflop raise with 3 callers and the blinds compete. Flop comes A [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] 6 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 2 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] and you are hold two red cards. Is it better to check hoping for check-raise/lead the turn or lead the flop knowing that the draws are getting the correct odds to call? These hands drive me nuts, I feel like both plays are wrong but I generally lead out unless someone else has shown preflop aggression.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can't protect your hand against flush draws in a hand with a preflop raise and three callers. There are already 8 small bets in the pot, so even facing 2 bets cold it would be correct for a flush draw to call, since they would be getting at least 8+1+2=11:2 or 5.5:1 pot odds on the flop.

Betting and raising for value may protect you from some hands drawing out on you, such as hands like X6/X2 drawing to two pair or 43/53/54 drawing to a gut shot. The flush draws are going to be hanging around regardless in a pot this size.

Search the board for the "Charging the flush draws" post.

[btspider]

memorize this:

"when you can't protect your hand, bet it for value"

[dvashun]

Thank you all for your replies, I thought as much just wondering if anybody who has been playing longer had a better line.

[davelin]

Who is the most likely person to bet the flop given the pre-flop action?

Hint: It's you.

[itsmesteve]

this post rules, that is all.