Defending the button...

[DeuceHigh80]

As I move up I'm seeing (and accomplishing) more blind theft...

This hand from last night isn't that significant but it led me to question if I should adjust my 3-bet standards to "defend the button" against a CO that is probably stealing.

Start of 3rd orbit at Party $2/$4 BBJ. Both blinds seem to be weak, and I stole from them on the previous orbit. No HUD data on Villain (CO) who hasn't done anything remarkable and is folding most hands. About the only thing I can say so far is he's probably not overly loose.

(this is shaping up to be a bad seat at a bad table and I'm getting ready to leave...)

PreFlop: Hero has 88 on the button. Folded to CO who raises. Hero ?

This sure seems like a steal attempt. If I have a read on CO that he is capable of stealing I think this is an easy 3-bet?

At the time I identified 88/99 as sort of on the fence where a better read could push this either way (fold or 3-bet). Worse than 88 is probably a muck and better than 99 is already a 3-bet with or without reads? Does that seem about right or am I way off base and it's already clear cut one way or another?

[McGahee]

[ QUOTE ]

If I have a read on CO that he is capable of stealing I think this is an easy 3-bet?


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes - there are lots of tag's at Party 2/4 who play poorly postflop.

[numeri]

Sounds fine to me. Depending on the CO, you can 3-bet 77 as well. 88/99 are good cutoff points, though.

[NobodysFreak]

pf, on the button, this is a good raise. Bet any flop if its checked to you.

[bottomset]

I'm 3betting 77+ here

I 3bet 88 against most all MP2+ openraises when I'm OTB