Folding top 2 pair

[jailhousejoe]

This hand has been bugging me for a fair while... would appreciate any critiscism on how it has been played out.

The scenario is a 5 handed ring game at a friends house, .10/.20 blinds and 25.00 buy-in. UTG and C/O both fold and Dealer button (a very tight player, but who understands position) raises to .80. I look down and see a trouble hand QdAh but thinking i can maybe out-play him or get away cheap I flat call from the small blind. The B/B - notoriously loose-passive - calls - he could have any 2 cards.

The flop comes down As, Qc, Js. I check to the raiser but the BB puts in a very fishy bet of .50 and Ive seen the guy betting on draws out of position before. The button flat-calls and I think Im winning so I make it 3 to go. The BB now folds - later claiming to have held Kx and I believe him. But the button wont fold and again flat calls. My maths is shocking but the pot is now 8.40 I think? The turn comes down and its not a spade but its a ten. I check, and the dealer goes all-in for his remaining 12 or 13. I reluctantly fold thinking I was either already was beat, or certainly am now. Later I think what sort of hand calls a fishy bet then a strong bet on a broadway flop and I ask and he tells me he had 'top 2 pair'. Im often not convinced when this guy tells me what he holds but in this case should i believe him? Should I have laid down Q/A pre-flop? Or a crying call on the all-in? How should I have played it? Im totally confused...!

[mxiu]

Bet the turn. They'll raise with the K.

[Smack29]

Gotta bet the turn to see where you are at.

[jailhousejoe]

I like your idea of betting for info and i do admit to playing a weak turn here...but baring in mind the pot is 8 and opp has 12 left - (have him covered btw) what sort of bet would not commit to a check call on the river and yet find out the information required? I cant imagine a smallish bet would fold any weaker hands which could still outdraw top 2 pair on a connecting/flushy and picture card board. So too might it stink of weakness and induce the king to be represented anyway with an all-in. The reason im asking is because the response I fear most here is not a raise but another smooth call. Then assuming a spade or another high card doesnt fall on the river and make my decision easier I think Im dead.

FYI some of the hands I could think of opp having here are Ace with K,Q,J or 10, trip Jacks or the very specific but reasonable KsQs. Sometimes I think its easier to act without a hand than when u actually hit a flop! Thanx very much for you suggestion, I will be playing it your way next time I think - even if Im beat at least Ill be able to sleep at night.