Argh...

[takesix]

Hand 1: Villain is 14/0/2.5

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

SB ($28.30)
BB ($5.20)
UTG ($8.35)
UTG+1 ($21.95)
MP1 ($12.15)
MP2 ($25)
CO ($14.50)
Hero ($23.80)

Preflop: Hero is Button with 7, 7.
3 folds, MP2 calls $0.25, 1 fold, Hero calls $0.25, SB completes, BB checks.

Flop: ($1) 6, 7, 8 (4 players)
SB checks, BB bets $0.75, MP2 calls $0.75, Hero raises to $3.5, SB folds, BB folds, MP2 calls $2.75.

Turn: ($8.75) 3 (2 players)
MP2 checks, Hero bets $7, MP2 calls $7.

River: ($22.75) 3 (2 players)
MP2 bets $14.25 (All-In), Hero calls $13.05 (All-In).

Final Pot: $50.05

Hand 2: Anally tight table, except for SB who's been raising a ton to pick up small pots. Button can breathe underwater.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

MP1 ($22.05)
MP2 ($23.25)
CO ($30.50)
Button ($21.35)
SB ($24.80)
BB ($18.95)
Hero ($27.05)
UTG+1 ($26.10)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with A, A.
Hero raises to $1, 4 folds, Button calls $1, SB raises to $5, 1 fold, Hero calls $4, Button calls $4.

Flop: ($15.25) T, K, 8 (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $10, Button raises to $16.35, SB folds, Hero calls $6.35.

Turn: ($47.95) 9 (2 players)

River: ($47.95) 2 (2 players)

Final Pot: $47.95

[zook]

1. I raise pre-flop. Otherwise, standard.

2. I might 3-bet pre-flop to isolate, but I'm not positive that's the right move. Post-flop standard.

[LeFou]

Are these bad beat stories in disguise?

[takesix]

Are these bad beat stories in disguise?

No, a couple of legit questions in there I think. Though the title gives it away.

1) Preflop raise in hand #1? I know it's becoming more and more "standard" to do this with all PPs but the debate is still out there. Also, after the flop reraise and call, check behind the turn for pot control? Yes I have a set but the board is stupidly draw heavy, and being results oriented (not in this case, but in the somewhat safe assumption that people with combo draws are liable to call without odds anyway) might this be a good spot to check behind? The river is obvious.

2) In hand 2, shoving preflop isn't the worst idea, nor is a 3-bet but on the flop I could find a fold to raise of a (say $5) weak bet. What really from the button's perspective flat calls a 16bb reraise in position with another caller UTG? I might've thought he was bad but people don't do that with KTo.

Further, if any decent flop bet prices me in anyway, shouldn't I have shoved preflop and let the chips fall?

[Phantaroth]

I push the Aces without a doubt preflop in hand 2, pots this juicy will usually find a call anyway. No need to slow down.

[Blinky]

1) Preflop raise in hand #1? I know it's becoming more and more "standard" to do this with all PPs but the debate is still out there. Also, after the flop reraise and call, check behind the turn for pot control? Yes I have a set but the board is stupidly draw heavy, and being results oriented (not in this case, but in the somewhat safe assumption that people with combo draws are liable to call without odds anyway) might this be a good spot to check behind? The river is obvious.

This hand is played perfectly. I don't autoraise 77 though I'd be more inclined to do so OTB.

You have to bet to protect your hand on the turn, so I think it's fine as played. You are right - the board is oozing with draws - so why give them a cheap or free card?! The turn card is quite innoculous and if someone flopped a straight, you still have outs.

Oh. 88 gets paid here

Hand 2: What do you mean "Button can breathe underwater"? I've never heard this before and it's pretty funny.

[zook]

Hand 2: What do you mean "Button can breathe underwater"? I've never heard this before and it's pretty funny.

I'll give you a hint... some creatures on this planet can do this, and button is one of them I liked it too, takesix.

[LeFou]

You're calling button a shark, then?

[Fnord]

Standard.