by Aisthesis » Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:44 pm
Well, any 4 is a strong hand, but back to that in a moment.
While your hand is certainly strong, I just can't help but believe Roy is full near 100% after this action. That's been my experience in HU matches even vs. aggro players, and, while it sounds like Roy is pretty aggro, I don't think he's moronically aggro.
Second, if Roy is CBing pretty much always to checks, I like the CR better. imo the CR is a preventive tool only useful vs. players who are taking too many stabs. Sounds like this is Roy in this match.
Here's what the hand really looks like: Roy CBs and could have anything. You CR, and he mini-raises. At this point, I think he has a 4 or 22. When you call, you do, too (given his play, I also CR QQ-AA, decent heart draw, etc.). I'd consider pushing your hand to that bet since you have the nut kicker, but with the T-high, I just call--unlikely the kicker is good, but you have outs.
Now the turn. Ok, you check, and if you didn't push the flop, that's appropriate. If you're going to CRAI, then I think betting out the turn is way better. Whether or not he'll lay down (I doubt it with his hand), you can at least rep the Q and possibly get a laydown out of a split pot. I do think Roy might at this point consider folding A4.
Instead, you tell him you're not full (which is perfectly legit, too, since you aren't) with a check. Now he has some options. He knows you have a 4 and hence are very unlikely to fold, to begin with. So, I think he really can bet A4 here but honestly, I don't see betting anything less than that. Just counting unknown cards, there are 3 A's unaccounted for, 3 Q's, 3 2's, and 3 22's. Given his very wide raising range, maybe it tips the scales a little in favor of the A's, but without that discount, he's full 75% of the time, and you're 50-50 the other 25%. I think it's a fold at that point. If you are going to play for stacks unimproved, then I think you have to push the flop or lead into him on the turn, both of which I think are decent plays.