Last night I read Iceman's article about playing suited connectors backwards so tonight when the opportunity arose, I tried it. It worked, I won the pot, but I don't know that I played it very well at all. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated - from Iceman or anyone else. Thank you. (Hand converter doesn't want to cooperate for me tonight).



posts the small blind of $.05.
posts the big blind of $.10.
posts out of turn for $.10.

I have 6s 7s in MP

Pre-flop:

folds. folds. Sunbob raises to
$.50. folds. folds. Worthy opponent calls.
folds. folds. folds.

Flop (board: Jd As 9d): pot = $1.25

Sunbob bets $1. Worthy opponent calls.

Turn (board: Jd As 9d Ts): pot = $3.25

Sunbob checks. Worthy opponent checks.

River (board: Jd As 9d Ts Jh): pot = $3.25

Sunbob bets $1. Worthy opponent folds. Sunbob is
returned $1 (uncalled).

Hand #3701903-1998 Summary:

$.15 is raked from a pot of $3.25.
Sunbob wins $3.10.

As I look at this summary I think I played it too passively but his call scared me. Looks like I won this inspite of myself.

Thats a really bad flop for your hand. I would bet the flop anyway but once I get called, Im done. I would almost never bet the river after checking the turn. I cant imagine what he could call that flop with that he would fold later based on how you played it.

One thing about this strategy. Once someone sees your cards you have to adjust your play somewhat. Be very careful for a while when raising because you'll get called more. Also, one they see your cards you can bet your really good hands harder and get paid off easier.

I don't think this play is as valuable at the level you are playing at. Unless the players see you as a big rock, most players will not respect a 5x BB raise just because it is only an extra $.40. Your best bet is just to play straght forward tight aggressive poker. I rarely make plays like that at the $25 NL tables and seldomly at the $50 Tables.

I totally agree with legendary loser. Playing suited connectors for a raise only works when the players at your table are going to try to read you. I'm not sure this is so true at micro limit games, I find that it doesn't work that well at the $50 tables at paryt either. Another important factor of what Ice said is postion, if you are going to raise with suited connectors you really need to make sure you are in position, this usually allows you to see a free river card if you bet the flop and get a call.

Iceman is also correct to be carefull what you raise with the next couple of hands if you showdown your suited connectors. Though if I read your post right ti sounds like you didnt have to showdown your hand. Though this brings up a good point, I really like to make a play like this in a live game against players I dont know, and then show it to them. It makes me look like a loose player, which I really am not. I can't tell you how many times I have won or lost a small pot after raising with suited connectors, shown them to the table and a seen people shake their heads and you can see them thinking this kid is a Fish I'm going to get all his money. It is amazing how often after this you get AA or KK, over bet the pot and get action because everyone wants a shot to catch the fish. I have won some big pots this way.

I have to agree with you all - this probably isn't a great play at the low limits that I play but I was intrigued by the idea and wanted to try it. I had shown AA & AK with the same opening earlier in the session so I thought when the Ace fell I might be able to represent one of those hands. When I got called I figured I was toast. I only bet the river because I knew that was my only chance of winning the hand.

I don't have any idea what he had that he would fold but, hey, I'll take the money. I think I might try this again on one of those nights when no one is calling my 4x-5x preflop bets when I have AA.

Anyway, I love reading your articles Iceman - anytime I can add a new tool to my belt I appreciate it. Now I have to learn when to use that tool at the right time.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I have to agree with you all - this probably isn't a great play at the low limits that I play but I was intrigued by the idea and wanted to try it. I had shown AA & AK with the same opening earlier in the session so I thought when the Ace fell I might be able to represent one of those hands. When I got called I figured I was toast. I only bet the river because I knew that was my only chance of winning the hand.

I don't have any idea what he had that he would fold but, hey, I'll take the money. I think I might try this again on one of those nights when no one is calling my 4x-5x preflop bets when I have AA.

Anyway, I love reading your articles Iceman - anytime I can add a new tool to my belt I appreciate it. Now I have to learn when to use that tool at the right time.

Thanks for the feedback guys.