Playing a live 1/2 NL game, I am on the button, when a TAG player raises to 12 from EP. He has about $300 and I've got him covered. I call from the button and everyone else folds.

FLOP: [9h][4d] (Pot: $27)

He bets $25. I call.

TURN: (Pot: $77)

He bets $60. I call again.

RIVER: (Pot: $197)

He checks. I move-in. He calls for his last $200.


You might be wondering what I had. I played the hand like a clueless calling station. Most people keep calling bets when they have some sort of a draw. That's exactly what I wanted my opponent to think I had. Something like [Jh] or [Qh]. It was quite apparent to everyone that he had a big pair. I knew he would want to protect his big pair, but if I raised the flop, would he bet big again on the turn? Unlikely, given that he was tight and fairly solid. So I smooth-called, and as expected, he led out again. I again called, as I only wanted to reinforce his read that I had a draw. When the river missed, I decided to move all-in, hoping that he would think I missed my draw. It looks like this is exactly what he thought as he called within 5 seconds. He mucked, but I'm 99% sure he had KK-AA. I had the [Ts].

What do you think about representing a draw while having a monster? In the past, I've had so many instances where I drove out big pairs when I hit sets by playing them fast - this is necessary in multi-way pots and with calling stations, but against a tight player, he is capable of laying it down, and since I was sure that he wasn't on a draw himself, I thought I could represent the heart draw and make a big "bluff" at the end if the heart missed. Of course if it came I would probably get paid off less, but I was willing to take the chance since it will miss most of the time. Comments?

I think that is a really nice play that you made, my question would be is what your table image was at the time. Obviously if you are viewed as a tight player and are respected this probably won't pay off very often, but if you are new or unkown then your opponents are more likely to think you are on a draw.

If a heart or an 8 or K comes, it will probably kill the action. So I'd only do this if you think he wont pay you off otherwise. I'm more inclined to employ this against a loose aggressive player than a tight one.

Once he bets the turn, I think it's pretty obvious it's an overpair, so I'd be inclined to raise him then.

I knew what you had and wouldve folded to your river all in. Some people bluff when they miss their draw but not usually in big pots like this one. I wouldve raised sooner, but I see the purpose of your play. I never try something like that because the dame flush hits the turn EVERY time when I have a set. It happened 2 more times to me last night. Its hard to believe how often it happens to me. Maybe I just dont notice the times it doesnt but I swear it happens so often I need to start keeping track.

Nice play, I like it always so satisfying when a creative play gets you paid in a big pot!

Monk
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