PokerStars - $0.02 NL (6 max) ZOOM - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4
Hero (BTN): 146.5 BB
SB: 114.5 BB
BB: 70 BB
UTG: 115 BB
MP: 282 BB
CO: 134 BB
SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB
Pre Flop: (pot: $0.03) Hero has Q♦ J♥
fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 3 BB, SB calls 2.5 BB, BB calls 2 BB
Flop: (9BB, 3 players) 4♦ K♣ J♠
SB checks, BB checks, Hero bets 6 BB, SB calls 6 BB, BB calls 6 BB
Turn: (27BB, 3 players) A♠
SB checks, BB checks, Hero?
PF: Bet for value from weaker holdings and also as a bluff to gain value from getting weak Ax and Kx hands to fold.
F: Well I could bet hoping to get value from weaker hands but it is more likely that someone will call with Kx so I can't bet for value here. I could bet as a bluff but the only hand I want to fold is KJ and since this is such a small percentage of each players range, this is impractical.
However, I could bet to protect my hand from straight draws and also a bet would provide me with information to see where I am at though it will still not be clear if I have the best hand or if my opponent's have a draw.
All together, since my hand is rather weak then it makes sense to practise pot control, there is no use in protecting a hand which could already be crushed so I should have checked behind.
As played:
T: The ace means that QT makes the straight, AJ and AQ both improve their hand and most Kx hands also pick up a gutshot. Therefore a bet here would make no sense what so ever since not many holdings would fold to a second barrel. Hero should check behind and hope that he completes his straight or makes three-of-a-kind.
What is your general strategy for middle pair when your in position?
Would you play the flop any differently if the board was 4AJr?