[Mark1808]

There are a lot of what ifs, as is the case with NL. The bottom line is that for typical play where the JJ makes a continuation bet on the flop AQ is getting 4-1 on his pre flop call for a 2-1 shot at hitting the flop, a good bet.

Now, do the what ifs reduce the strong plus EV? Well with a preflop raise to $150 if the AQ hits and the J also flops it might be pretty easy for AQ to get away from a lot of aggression, after all what hands raise to $150, get called and then go bisirk when an A, Q or J hits the flop. One pair no good, as they say.

The example does not set out to try and prove that AQ is better than JJ, it shows forward thinking about betting patterns, pot odds and making plus EV plays.

Also, please notice how much easier it is for everyone to raise and go all in on various situations on this board versus real play. I even originally posted that if JJ made a continuation bet and a Q flopped to my AQ I would raise, which after a pre flop raise of $150 is highly unlikely as I would fear AA, KK or maybe QQ. A solid player is not going to go crazy with JJ when over cards hits and the opponent shows strength or ultimately he will be a losing player.