I was watching Bodog's $10/$20 NLHE table this evening and an interesting hand came up. Four people including the UTG player limped for $20. The guy in the cutoff makes it $150 to go and only the UTG player calls. The FLOP comes A-10-4 all spades. UTG checks and cutoff makes it $240 to play. Cutoff calls. TURN is an 7 of hearts (A-10-4-7). UTG checks again, and the cutoff goes all-in for ~$1400 and UTG thinks about it for awhile and calls. UTG shows AK, without a spade, while the cutoff shows 8-6 of spades for a flopped flush.
I noticed and interesting trend recently with HUGE pots being won by the guy usually on the button or in the cutoff, raising with mid-range connecting hands like 8-7 or 7-6s. The other day, a guy at the casino won two large pots with 8-7 while I was sitting there, both times busting someone. The first time, some guy in early position made it $20 to go (3/5 blinds), got 2 callers, and the HERO on the button made it $50 to go and all 3 call. He ends up making a straight and busting the original raiser and later, makes a similar play with 8-7 again, and busts another person.
I really like this play bc by reraising in this position, you're given credit for a big hand, such as A-Q/A-K or even a big pair. This works for your benefit in two ways:
1. If the FLOP comes A (or K)-x-x, you can go ahead and steal without concern, since the opponenet will need a set/two-pair to continue since you probably have top pair with a good kicker. Also, with two-pair/set, he will raise you, thinking that you will be unable to get away from your big hand.
2. When the flop actually comes cards that match your hand, say FLOP is 8-7-3 rainbow and you've got 8-7, they put you on A-K and assume their 55 (or whatever) is good and will give you action. They may even try to blow you off the hand with a naked raise, in hopes that you fold your "A-K".
So in my opinion, raising or even reraising slightly IN POSITION with mid-range hands works to your advantage in two ways...
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3 comments:
I agree with this statement...but i think other things have to be considered as well. Such as how people at your table are playing and the size of your stack. But for the most part i think raising with mid-range connectors in position is a good play.
well naturally, yes, stack size and players factor into the equation...I think this play generally works best against players who will think through the hands (at least somewhat) who have decent-sized stacks...I would never try to isolate someone who was a short stack with this play bc they are usually ready to give up and shove it in...their stack must be worth your risk in making the play...
It's funny you posted this because the last week I have been playing ultra agressive in position with these types of hands and have been doing quite well. Basically its a win/win situation because your hand is easy to get away from if raised and very hard for players to get away from their hands when you have them crushed. Good post.
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