Ok, my last attempt at these tables was frustrated by both running bad and probably also sub-optimal play; the big hands were all big losers, flush-over-flush and AA/KK being the biggest losers. I went back to the $100s; I posted a few weeks ago about having a difficult run there too, but soon things went back to normal,I won back about 25 buyins, so I figured why not try the $200s once again.
For the first hour or so I didn't get many hands so I played fairly tight. The table seemed very tricky/aggressive, virtually no hands going to showdown. Whenever I raised, I either got 3bet, or I got called and my Cbet got checkraised or floated, so I decided to just wait for a hand. (Or should I simply be prepared to fire more second barrels and/or try some resteals?) The only pot I managed to win without a hand is when I raised from the CO, the button and the SB called, the BB 3bet and I came over the top. Other than that, I simply missed flops and either got outplayed or ran into hands.
One situation that I see all the time: I have AK or AQ in LP. I open raise, BB calls. Flop is harmless, say 259r. I make my CBet, BB calls. Turn is a brick. BB checks. Now if I check behind, then I'm 100% sure he's potting the river no matter what. With what frequency should I fire a second barrel? Or should I simply be calling the river bet with A-hi with a certain frequency? Or bluffraise it?
Anyway, the only big hand of the session was one that I may have misplayed, due to the desire of finally winning a big pot. Just a few hands before this I lost a $200 pot to a buddylisted guy who just sat down with $100, and openraised from the CO when I had AA in the BB. Money went in on the 38Qr flop, and he got a runner runner straight with J6.
I'm not sure whether the opponent in this hand thinks I'm on tilt, but it may be a factor.
Opponent in MP limps, I check the BB with QTh. Flop: K85h, giving me second flush. I lead for $6, opponent raises to $18, I call. Turn is a blank, I lead for half pot or so, villain thinks a while and flat calls. River another blank. Since folding is probably not an option, which one is best (there's $90 in the pot, both have about $170 left):
a) bet out, call push
b) check-call
c) checkraise allin
FWIW, I'm fairly certain that villain will bet a missed Ah when checked to. He'll check behind with anything less than a set.