Did I play right?

[rascallysquirrel]

I'm not sure if I played this hand correctly. Also, should I have folded? That's what I get for limping.

***** Hand History for Game 477737218 *****
0/0 TexasHTGameTable (NL) - Thu Mar 25 01:10:56 EST 2004
Table Table 11323 (Real Money) -- Seat 10 is the button
Total number of players : 5
Seat 1: Player 1 ( $10.15)
Seat 4: player 2 ( $9.67)
Seat 6: Player 3 ( $27.25)
Seat 9: player 4 ( $60.85)
Seat 10: Our Hero ( $44.85)
Player 1 posts small blind (0.25)
player 2 posts big blind (0.50)
player 4 posts big blind + dead (0.75)
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Our Hero [ Kd, Qs ]
Player 3 folds.
player 4 checks.
Our Hero calls (0.50)
Player 1 calls (0.25)
player 2 checks.
** Dealing Flop ** : [ Qh, Ts, 2d ]
Player 1 bets (1)
player 2 calls (1)
player 4 calls (1)
Our Hero raises (3) to 3
Player 1 folds.
player 2 raises (8.17) to 9.17
player 2 is all-In.
player 4 folds.
Our Hero folds.
Creating Main Pot with $15.92 with player 2
** Summary **
Main Pot: $15.92 | Rake: $0.50
Board: [ Qh Ts 2d ]
Player 1 balance $8.65, lost $1.50 (folded)
player 2 balance $15.92, bet $9.67, collected $15.92, net +$6.25
Player 3 balance $27.25, didn't bet (folded)
Fetecroft balance $20, sits out
player 4 balance $59.10, lost $1.75 (folded)
Our Hero balance $41.35, lost $3.50 (folded)

[Fnord]

$6.17 to go, looking at a pot of about $22, I think you got to call this with top pair second kicker.

It really depends on the player's moves up to this point, but the short stack usually means a weak/desperate player unless he's one of those ultra-tight guys that likes to play shortstop (I know most of them by handle.) Up to this point, he checked his blind and smooth called the $1. Smells like he's trying to take it down on a draw to me and doesn't like what the raise does for him, so he made a move. If he had AK I would expect a raise before now to defend his weak position, so he might have 2 pair, making you a 2.5:1 to 3:1 dog depending on the circumstances which gives you pretty close to even money on your call. Worst case, he's got a set, but if he does be glad to walk away only $6.17 poorer.

Math aside, I would also make this relativly cheap and marginal call for table image. Lay down too many hands and you'll get strong players bluffing at you and I tend to lay down a lot of hands...

One more comment, I would have raised this hand pre-flop. You got a maginally strong hand which plays best against 1-2 others, position and there is $1.50 of blind money on the table. Raise to $2-$3 and consider it a good value to take down the blinds and an even better value if someone calls you out of position with a weaker hand. If you get re-raised, dump it and be glad you got out of a likely situation against a dominating hand cheap. Raising pre-flop whenever you get a solid chance helps set up players to call you with weaker hands when you raise a really strong one. Finally, a pre-flop raise would set-up an optional bluff (depending on the board and who calls) if you miss your flop.

[ttanaka]

Definitely should have raised pre-flop. That goes without saying.

I smell some desperation on the part of the short stack. I think if his hand was truly a monster, he would have smooth called the $3 raise to try to keep the other players in the hand. Maybe a drawing hand, but possibly two pair, or top pair. I think given the size of the pot and the size of the bet, you make the call and find out. You would not have to face any future bets by this opponent, and you may have been winning at that moment.

[rascallysquirrel]

Thanks for the insight guys! I'll keep all that in mind on my next session.

I have a new question now. You both advised me to raise the pot pre-flop with K/Qo. If I were in late position on a full table with limpers, would I still raise? (I got the impression that I should raise because of the few players)

(Oh, did I edit the history wrong? It won't play in the re-player.)

[ttanaka]

If everyone has limped to you, yes I would raise, and I would raise it somewhere between 1/2 - entire pot.

So if you have 8 limpers (the pot is $4), and it's your turn, I would raise at least $2 in late position. This will narrow your playing field. You also have a positional advantage throughout the hand.

I would think that if someone had a stronger hand than KQ, they would have raised pre-flop, meaning that your hand may be the best at that moment. And you want to put your money in when you are ahead.

[Fnord]

I would think that if someone had a stronger hand than KQ, they would have raised pre-flop, meaning that your hand may be the best at that moment. And you want to put your money in when you are ahead.

Funny, I've been tracking that lately.

A LOT of players will not raise AQo out of position pre-flop (reoccuring theme in the 2+2 forums.) I've noticed quite a few players that do not raise big slick pre-flop, and some that will limp in with AA, KK and even QQ from early position looking to smooth call or re-raise. So knowing your players can help a lot here!