Re: 2/4 B&M - Bet or checkraise monster flop that I capped preflop?
Capping here is good. You only really have to worry about one opponent having you beat (the button). If this was online, maybe you call (but you'd never get the three callers online, so there's not much to argue here). Live, it's a cap. Set value alone is almost enough to justify a cap.
In a live game, the button is very likely to three-bet with a good multiway hand (JTs especially), and not necessarily a big pair. If he has a big pair, well, that sucks - but you partially negate that deficit by having three players coming along for the ride here. Your equity edge here is far too big not to push, especially when only one player has shown any strength.
In a big pot like this, I want to be aggressive and essentially announce to the table that I have a big pair. If the flop is favorable (underdcards and no J), I want any overcards (ATs, QTs, etc) to fold the flop (or the turn). Though perhaps unlikely, this is easier to do if you cap it.
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Here the situation is different. We have just a fantastic flop for our hand.
As some people suggested, playing to protect your hand here is ridiculous. You have top set on a rainbow board with no real straight draws.
If the flop is two-sooted, or if that board is J T 2, then it's time to protect. Here there is little to worry about. Playing as such in this situation is playing too scared.
Since you hit your set and there are no obvious draws, it's tough to make a wrong decision here. The problem is though, there are no obvious draws and two checks already - making a check-through on the flop more likely.
If there is any chance (5%) you think this will get checked through, I'd bet. Since you capped preflop, a continuation bet is expected and reveals nothing about your hand. Actually, your opponents would expect you to anything but bet with JJJ here.
How about this line? Bet/call flop.
Then c/r turn (or bet/3bet depending on the action).
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