First hand at $25NL

[salt3d]

I probably have the bankroll for $25NL but I've been reluctant to give it a go because I don't think I'm good enough yet. I got bored of $0.25 pots so I thought I'd try it out. Then this happens the very first hand. I think I got it right, but is there another way this could/should have been played?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (9 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

Button ($33.45)
SB ($13.15)
BB ($23.10)
UTG ($17.25)
UTG+1 ($4)
MP1 ($26.50)
MP2 ($18)
salt3d ($25)
CO ($15)

Preflop: salt3d is MP3 with Q, A. salt3d posts a blind of $0.25.
1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.25, 1 fold, MP2 raises to $0.5, salt3d (poster) raises to $1, CO calls $1, 1 fold, SB calls $0.90, BB calls $0.75, UTG+1 calls $0.75, MP2 calls $0.50.

Flop: ($6) 9, 4, Q (6 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG+1 bets $3 (All-In), MP2 calls $3, salt3d raises to $8, CO folds, SB folds, BB folds, MP2 calls $5.

Turn: ($25) A (3 players, 1 all-in)
MP2 checks, salt3d bets $16 (All-In), MP2 calls $9 (All-In).

River: ($50) T (3 players, 3 all-in)

Final Pot: $50

[outphase]

based on flat calling the whole way, MP2 has the flush draw and you're boned

[Les_Worm]

If mp2 has a flush hes a moron.

Preflop: Raise more or just call. That min raise isn't doing anything.

Flop/Turn: Both are played very strong. I probably don't play it that strong but don't see anything wrong with how you played it.

[Telepath]

AQ offsuit isn't a hand that tends to do well against many opponents. Based on if I think I'm against better or not, I just call here and proceed with caution, or I slam a half-pot/pot-sized reraise preflop. He minraises in EP, you should make it about 8bb preflop as response in that case.

Having this many callers on this flop is a hellhole. In 25NL people stay around with shit draws for all of their cash. Set can't be ruled out either. You play flop and river absolutely correct in my opinion, but the weak reraise is the key flaw as I see it.

T.

[salt3d]

Preflop: Raise more or just call. That min raise isn't doing anything.

Based on if I think I'm against better or not, I just call here and proceed with caution, or I slam a half-pot/pot-sized reraise preflop. He minraises in EP, you should make it about 8bb preflop as response in that case.

I think I'm getting the idea. When I raised to $1, the pot was $1.35, so a $2 bet would have been more appropriate. I was planning to make it 4xBB, and when MP2 beat me to it I pretty much just ignored him and did it anyway.

Smooth calling twice on the flop had me a bit worried. I could see a set being played this way, but I reckon I'd have to pay them off, because I shouldn't give up a free card to a flush draw, right?

[Pelion]

Make it 6BB after that reraise. Then if anyone comes over the top of you you can fold safely. That looks like a great table. I probably play it the same except preflop. I agree that MP2 probably just made the flush.
Well played and unlucky.

[Miffed22001]

You picked up on the poor min raise with AQ when you should have been isolating apart from that i think you played this fine and should play it the same each time

[Hate]

Btw, you give NL25 too much credit...

[Fnord]

My only nit-pick is that I don't like building a pot on this flop. Either put down the hammer right there or call and re-evaluate on the turn to take a peek at his bet size and probably turn-screw the flush draw.