[TightIsRight]

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But apart from that, I'd open-push here with an M of 4, but not with an M of 7. In that case, I'd try a "normal" blind steal with a raise of maybe 3BB.

If reraised, i'd have to fold. My blind steal attempt did not work, and I have to accept it.

How to handle the flop? If BB didn't give off after my first attempt to steal the blind, he probably will not do so on the flop, too. So, I have to be cautious. I'd bet a checked flop only, if a checkraise is unlikely or if I have probably the best hand.

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The problem I have with opening for 3x BB when my M is 7 (9800 chips...remember the antes), is as follows:

I'm putting in 1/5 of my chips (just PF) on a blind steal. Against typical players at this level, I find myself getting called by a lot of hands that aren't too far behind. When these hands hit, I’m getting CRed off the flop for a big portion of my stack. (If I CB the flop I am putting in another 1/4 to 1/3 of my stack.)


For example, I open for 1800 in the CO w/ the A7 again, but this time I have 9800 (M=7). The BB calls. There is now 4400 in the pot, and I have 8000 behind. Continuation betting the flop will cost me another 2200-ish. Say the flop comes Jack-high and I’m CR’ed. I (usually) have to dump. I have put in a total of 4000 out of my 9800 stack on this blind steal. (I don't think this is a "worst case scenario;" this has happened to me a lot lately)

I think the advantage of open-pushing in these types of situations is that QJo and KTo type of hands will typically fold. That is, typical players at this level (in my experience) are calling w/ these hands when you open in a steal position for 3x BB. A7 is not killing QJ or KT and I’m happy when they fold in this spot. So, I’m pushing or folding here depending on my reads on the players behind me.

Now, someone please tell me this is stupid. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Thanks.