Hello,
PokerStars, $1.32 + $0.18 - Hold'em No Limit - 80/160 (20 ante) - 4 players
Hand delivered by Upswing Poker
UTG: 2,392 (15 bb)
BU: 4,607 (29 bb)
SB: 3,311 (21 bb)
BB (Hero): 3,190 (20 bb)
Pre-Flop: (320) Hero is BB with A♦ 5♦
1 fold, BTN raises to 352, 1 fold, Hero calls 192
Flop: (864) K♦ 4♥ 6♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets 320, Hero calls 320
Turn: (1,504) Q♠ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets 827, Hero calls 827
River: (3,158) 7♣ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets 1,042, BB (Hero) folds
I am really not sure what was the best way to play this hand. Villain seemed like a solid player, so it made me think that he would definitely be trying to apply ICM pressure and steal with a wide range. Having the Ace blocker made it even more plausible for me to 3bet pre. Still, I felt like I want to keep the pot small, considering there is a smaller stack and it's the bubble, and play post-flop with a decent hand. Now, that I think about it, I probably should have check-raised the flop to about x3 villain's cbet.
His bet on the river seemed really peculiar to me as well. I am not sure that he would bet there with Kx or Qx and at the same time there are plenty of missed draws. Really made me want to push all-in, since it would make him fold hands that beat me such as A8-AJ (unless he wants to do a hero call, considering all busted draws and my check-calling on the previous streets). Also, I am not sure if he would bluff all 3 streets, but considering the amount of draws there and him seeing that they missed, and my checking, it makes it more believable for me, that he is inclined to bluff 3 streets. Overall, I put him on 2 pairs, set or pure bluff.
What do you think is the best way to play the hand?
