Use of Instincts and Confidence

Hello,
I’m now bothered about the two very interesting hands I played just recently. Well, the game was $2.5/5 NL Hold’em.

At some point, there was a very hand before the other one which I raised on the button to $20 with A-J. I got three callers for it, thus making it a multi-way pot nonetheless. Then, the flop came, Q-Q-3, as a result everybody checked to me. To have an unusual move, I bet something like $24. Afterwards, “LaBarca” called, and everybody else at the table folded.

As expected, the turn came and it was a K and so he checked. In an instant, I felt the weakness and trouble in him. I also felt he longed at that time to see me check and eventually have a cheap showdown.

Well, I thought he must have a PP of 6-6 through 9-9. It didn’t appear to me like he is thinking of his trip Q’s, that he’d get maximum value from them. I believed, there should be at least some pondering stuff.

Later on, we’re on the turn and weakness is in the air. So what do you expect? I of course released fire again. I stood up for my readings, for what I felt and for what I believe in.

So then I bet $40 and he called again though quite hesitant and indecisive. At that point, my instincts were still strong, that actually, he wanted a cheap showdown. But I resisted, most especially that I had the T for a straight and an A or a J for a probable winning pair back then.

Eventually, the river came a random blank and he checked again. I bet another $80 into the pot without any doubt. LaBarca hesitated but then he later on called again. After which, I expected to see a Q and hoped could have bet more on the river. Perhaps $120-$150.

After all this, what do you think does my opponent has turned over? A-8 off for no hand as well as no draw but Ace high! Of course, we divided the pot the Q’s and the K being all aboard. I don’t totally understand what happened, to be honest.

Then, the very next hand I’m dealt, A-4 of hearts in the cut off. I eventually limped behind another limper. The BB as well as the button limped too, while SB folded. Afterwards, we take the flop four handed. Well, it comes off properly, 8-6-3 all hearts.

Consequently, the first limper checked and I quickly bet $10. Quite unexpected, the button opted to call and the first limper re-raised to $20. For a while, I went blank but eventually I called. After that, the button re-raised again to $56 while the limper called. Well, I felt I was in a perfect spot then as the button has flopped a flush and the limper has either a set or two pair. However, I didn’t went all-in. Still, I was into for a one pair or a draw.

Then the turn comes a 9c, and so nothing has changed. I then checked as the limper checked. And then for $418, the button went all-in. For a second, the limper hesitated but later for about $300 called all-in.

I didn’t wasted my time, and opted to call. Then, there were the Ks. Eventually, the button showed Q-9 of hearts for a flush while the limper showed 3-3 for a set of 3′s.

Any comment on how I’ve played at that instance? Thanks!

Chase

Chase,

For that first hand, I don’t see how the pot was a chop. You had A-J with a Q-Q-3-K-random board. Your opponent had A-8. Unless that card on the river was a 3, you should have won due to your kicker.

Based on what you explained, it sounded like you had a fantastic read on your opponent. I will say again, that based on what you told me, that should have been a winning hand.

For the second hand, you were able to see a flop cheaply and then flopped a monster. You played the flop masterfully. You bet out and then were raised. You then slowed down with the nuts and called. You then checked to the aggressor and let him bet for you.

The fact that your opponent flopped a set of three’s and called ended up being an added bonus. Fortunately the board didn’t pair. Even if the board paired and you lost, you still played the hand excellent. You let the other players bet for you and as a result, took two stacks.