[pete fabrizio]

[ QUOTE ]
As played this a clear fold. The better questions are:

1) Is this a hand to raise preflop out of position?
2) If we do raise preflop here do we lead out?
3) If we don't raise preflop do we lead out?

Of course the style of our opponents may affect each question ...

Question 1 seems a matter of style. I am not a fan of raising preflop OOP when I can't get anyone to fold. This is a great hand against multiple opponents though so I think its close.

IMO the answer to question 2 is a definite no. I only lead into 3 opponents on a board like this if I am ready to play for all my chips and I certainly am not.

Question 3 is different though and helps support the argument for just calling preflop (when the pot is smaller it gives you more options). Perhaps in this case a half-pot defensive/probe bet would work well - though you need to fold if there's any serious action ...

I am no expert so I would love any comments from the experts on these 3 questions.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know if anyone is an "expert" around here, but I think an ideal strategy will sometimes raise this hand and sometimes lead this flop.