AJo in the sb debate
 

So I was watching the 50k HORSE event on ESPN and the following hand occured (I dont think the players are really important, maybe they are but for sake of discussion I'm omitting famous names.)

Player in the co looks at his cards and excitedly opens, pro calls in the sb with AJo, BB calls.

I was talking about this with a friend who exclaimed "I 3-bet instantly there" And I was a little more understanding of the call.

Before I give my own thoughts, I'm curious what people think about this spot as it happens frequently in both tournaments and cash games.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

I generally think defending the SB against a late position raise calls for a 3-bet-or-fold strategy; as you want it HU in most cases. AJ is strong enough to 3-bet here. I think cold-calling is often quite bad, but I guess it depends on the BB's tendencies, the CO's tendencies, and the table/game texture.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

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I generally think defending the SB against a late position raise calls for a 3-bet-or-fold strategy; as you want it HU in most cases. AJ is strong enough to 3-bet here. I think cold-calling is often quite bad, but I guess it depends on the BB's tendencies, the CO's tendencies, and the table/game texture.

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Right ok, I agree I think it's an almost always 3-bet. Maybe it was because it was a tournament that a call was warranted.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

From my experience in tournaments(I've played only a handful since 2004), straightforward, unimaginative players tend to steal less except on the button. There are actually quite a few tournament players I would muck AJ against, even if they raise in late position, and even in limit holdem. Amount of chips left and payouts can be important also. I don't remember watching this particular hand.

I do know that in a cash game, thats a near instant three bet from me.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

I think folding is better than calling, and raising is better than folding.

Flatcalling just seems WEIRD in that spot.

Who wants to stake me for the 50k???

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

I agree that the call was likely due to the fact that it was a tournament. Obviously the optimal play is to raise, but calling isn't terrible and is a lower variance play.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

I don't know how the size of the blinds came into play here but as I default in a cash ring game this is a pretty easy 3 bet.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

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[ QUOTE ]
I generally think defending the SB against a late position raise calls for a 3-bet-or-fold strategy; as you want it HU in most cases. AJ is strong enough to 3-bet here. I think cold-calling is often quite bad, but I guess it depends on the BB's tendencies, the CO's tendencies, and the table/game texture.

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Right ok, I agree I think it's an almost always 3-bet. Maybe it was because it was a tournament that a call was warranted.

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Sklansky's gap concept is being utilized here by the AJo, I believe. You need a much better hand to call than to open in a tourney.

What I would like to know is the relative blind size and antes here, how many players, to obtain a better understanding of the play of the hand.

In a cash game I raise that bad boy from the small blind.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

Since i hate to do anything the same 100% i prob 3bet here about 85%.

Re: AJo in the sb debate
 

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Since i hate to do anything the same 100% i prob 3bet here about 85%.

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I like it.