Level One - Julian Thew & Surinder Sunar
History: We’re nearing the end of level two of a £1,000 GUKPT main event with an increased stack of 15,250. You have played a good, solid game without having to show down too many hands, if any. The villain is a regular in this casino, but only plays the occasional festival main event. He is a capable player, but not someone who you fear. He hasn’t been particularly busy, but not a complete rock either. He started the hand with 19,000 after an earlier double through with set over set, all in on a flop he check-raised on.
The blinds are 50/100 and you are on the button.
A tight player limps in middle position.
You look down at Ac-Ad and raise to 425.
Is this a good amount to raise? How many callers do we want?
Julian says:
“I’d probably raise to 400 but on occasion might make it 600 or 700 on the right kind of table. It’s good to mix this three times the big blind rule of thumb up a little bit from time to time.
Any more than two callers usually spells a headache if you get any action on the flop.”
Surinder says:
“At this stage I would raise to 600, although sometimes I might even go for a limp.”
The small blind folds.
The villain puts in 400 for a bet from the big blind, apparently not realising that you’ve already raised. In the end, the dealer allows him to flat call the initial 425.
The limper folds.
Flop: Qc-Th-6d
Villian checks. There is 950 in the pot.
You bet 700.
Is there ever an argument for checking this hand on the flop? Should we bet more?
Julian says:
“Sure, a check would be the unconventional play and definitely has its merits versus the right opponents. Personally, I think 700 would feel right, but again, a 300 weak lead or pot bet do have their place here.”
Surinder says:
“I would actually go for a check here.”
Villian calls.
Turn: 2c
Villian checks. There is 2,350 in the pot.
What’s your move? Should we check for pot-control or try to get value on our hand?
Julian says:
“The two is a great card in my opinion. With that in mind, I’d probably bet 1,500 for value against a regular player.”
Surinder says:
“I would lead out for 2,000.”
You bet 1,750.
Villian calls.
River = Tc
Villian checks. There is 5,850 in the pot. You have a stack of 12,050. He has 16,025.
You bet 3,000.
Villain min-check-raises to 6,000. There is 14,850 in the pot. You have a stack of 9,050. He has 10,025.
What’s your move? How often are we behind here?
Julian says:
“I would probably have been tempted to bet again on the river too, thinking that a ten would likely lead out most the time. Being a notorious calling station, I obviously don’t fold aces once he raises me this amount and probably expect to be behind at least 50 percent of the time. (Yes, I’m an optimist.)”
Surinder says:
“The minimum raise means he has the ten or better. Now I have to pass.”