Checking on the river with middle pair.

[Hop_Gazza]

** Game ID 434909359 starting - 2006-02-22 23:38:22

** 20 Hand $5 5-Seat C [Hold 'em] (20.00|40.00 No Limit - STT) Real Money

- millysouter sitting in seat 1 with $1840.00 [Dealer]
- pokertanten sitting in seat 2 with $1950.00
- Hop_Gazza1 sitting in seat 3 with $1210.00
- nodtkd sitting in seat 4 with $1350.00
- blueboy1234 sitting in seat 5 with $1120.00

pokertanten posted the small blind - $10.00
Hop_Gazza1 posted the big blind - $20.00

** Dealing card to Hop_Gazza1: 8 of Clubs, 10 of Clubs

nodtkd folded
blueboy1234 called - $20.00
millysouter folded
pokertanten called - $20.00
Hop_Gazza1 checked


** Dealing the flop: 7 of Spades, 10 of Diamonds, 2 of Hearts

pokertanten checked
Hop_Gazza1 bet - $40.00
blueboy1234 called - $40.00
pokertanten called - $40.00

** Dealing the turn: 6 of Diamonds
pokertanten checked
Hop_Gazza1 bet - $100.00
blueboy1234 folded
pokertanten called - $100.00

** Dealing the river: Jack of Clubs
pokertanten checked

What should I do here? Check, Push or raise?

My opponent was playing loose. This situation occurs on many occasions.
If I raise I am only going to be called by a winning hand. If I check I maybe missing a player with Ax who would be happy to put in a few more chips. If I am reraised I am going to fold. Is there a correct long term play here? Should I play harder post flop?


Hop_Gazza1 checked
Hop_Gazza1 shows: 8 of Clubs, 10 of Clubs
pokertanten mucks:
Hop_Gazza1 wins $380.00 from the main pot

[taipan168]

Check behind all day long and it isn't even close. I worry when players go into check/call mode - that's often how people play sets. You said it, don't make a bet that will only get called (or worse, raised) by somebody who has you beat. It's too early in the tourney to take that kind of risk.

I would bet the flop a little harder (60-80), you've got top pair even if it is with no kicker. If you get raised on the flop it's time to toss it. On the turn, I think 1/2 pot or so is fine.

[drmcboy]

yeah, check behind. you played it fine.

[GatorJH]

Bet only if you think you need to to win the hand (i.e. you want to represent a stronger hand than you have). In this case if you think you are ahead, but aren't sure just check it down.