How I slowplayed a reg
We have a very strong hand but how far should we go in extracting value from a weaker range?
This time we play at NL50, 6-max table with 5 players in the game. Our Hero makes a lower open raise from the Button hoping for some loose 3-bet action against his camouflaged steal. He only gets a call from the Big Blind who is known to be a solid regular.
No one likes to get an Ace on the Flop while holding pocket Kings so our Hero decides to check back. Thus, he keeps the pot small and gives the Villain an opportunity to bluff on later streets.
The Turn makes this check worthwhile bringing our Hero a much desired set. But it's not enough to get a good hand meaning we need to extract some value out of the situation. The Villain bets small and our Hero doesn't want to take action just yet. We're catching bluffs plus our hand doesn't need much protection from flush draws because of a blocker card. Also, there aren't many straight draws to worry about. We can keep catching his bluffs when he busts on the River.
The Queen on the River may bring some bad news. The Villain's bet though may represent many things, including Ax hands and bluffs. So now it's your turn to share your expertise. How would you play this hand?
What's the best course of action for the River? Do we have a raise for value or should we just play it safe and call? Is it worth value raising the Turn at all? As always, you're free to leave a comment if you would have played this hand any different.
Previous poll's results
In our last hand review, we've confronted you with another tough river spot. We asked you how would you play your set against a nitty opponent with overly high River aggression level.
Bet/fold, the correct option, won the biggest part of more than 900 votes. The second popular option (check/call) followed closely and even made a draw in our Portuguese community.
Players who don't have any Preflop 3-bet ranges are prone to slowplay. They bet big on the River only with the strongest hands, so the most profitable strategy against a nitty player would be betting small and folding to a big raise. Thus we can still collect thin value from overpairs while saving some money compared to check/calling a bigger bet from him when he has the nuts.
In reality, our Hero played bet/call for most of his stack and lost to oppo's heart flush with AKs. True story!
