Framework

First off, it should be clear that it is absolutely impossible to make generalisations about such spots.

The first question you have to ask is certainly: Are you in a heads-up situation or in a multi-way pot?

We already illustrated the differences in the previous part of the column and you also saw that they were quite big. Another thing you learned was how you got into a heads-up situation in the first place: Through a kind of blind defense.

The same is true for your opponents, although it is also possible that they played limp/call preflop (a play which you should generally avoid).

There are basically two possibilities:

PartyPoker $25 NL Hold'em (6-handed)

Stacks & Stats
UTG ($25) Calling station
MP ($25)
CO ($25)
Hero ($25)
SB ($25)
BB ($25)

Preflop: Hero is BU with A , K
UTG calls $0.25, 2 folds, Hero raises $1.25, 2 folds, UTG calls $1.25

Flop: ($2.85) 3, 5, 8 (2 players)
UTG bets $2.00, ...

If you limp/call and then find yourself in a situation where you are confronted with a donk bet, you are usually up against a loose-passive opponent.

PartyPoker $25 NL Hold'em (6-handed)

Stacks & Stats
UTG ($25)
MP ($25)
CO ($25)
Hero ($25)
SB ($25)
BB ($25)

Preflop: Hero is BU with A , K
3 folds, Hero raises $1.00, 1 folds, BB calls $1.00

Flop: ($2.10) 3, 5, 8 (2 players)
BB bets $1.40, ...

In the other possible case, you are usually up against a player who is defending his blind. Instead of 3-betting preflop, he only calls passively, but donks on the flop.

Both cases have their peculiarities.