Evaluating My Play

Hi,

My question has something to do with one of my no limit games where the buy-in is $4,000 and the blinds 10/20. By the way, I’ve got 3,500.

In that particular game, everyone had folded to me. Quite surprised, I picked up Ad 5s when I was in the button. I actually thought of stealing the blinds then so I brought it to 80.

Eventually, both small and big blind called and the flop came 5c 5d 7d. SB and BB checked it to me. Then, I bet around $140, half the pot. After which, SB folded but then BB raised me up to 380$. At some point, I thought if he got 77 he wouldn’t have raised at all, so I assumed he was just holding a weak 5 or something most probably.

Then, hoping to take things slowly, I called. Afterwards, the turn came and it was 9d, therefore at the board then was 5c 5d 7d 9d. There was a possibility for a straight and flush, however, I got Ad and trips so I have no choice but to fold.

BB then placed a bet of 700$. I was afraid for a straight I guess so I called again. Eventually, river Qc and BB went all in for all my money, got more or less 2.200$ then and 4.800$ in the pot.

For some time spent for thinking and all, a fold was made. Well, I thought he has a flush or straight, maybe even 57 or 77. But then, to my surprise he showed 44.
What do you think, did I play just right? The slow play strategy I guess was not a mistake but still I’m not so sure about it. Any advice?

Thanks,
Jack

Jack,

You actually did not slow play the flop. You bet half the pot. He then raised. At this point, I personally think you should have popped him back. If you really thought that he had a weak five, why not raise again. He would have likely pushed all in right there if he did have a weak five. If he was on a straight or flush draw, then you need to make him pay to draw out on you. If by some chance he had pocket sevens and flopped a miracle against you, then say nice hand and buy back in.

On the turn, you picked up a flush draw to go with your set. Lets say you were behind to a straight as you claim. Even so, you have 18 outs at this point to outdraw him for a flush or a full house. If I didn’t reraise the flop, I would have raised the turn. There is a good chance he would have let the hand go at this point.

It sounds like to me you got scared on the flop. I think that if you reraised him on the flop, he would have folded right there.