a9o on the bb in 2/4 six max
 

should this be in the short handed forum?

anyway, all 4 other players are very loose, and at most only slightly aggressive. they're all seeing at least 50% of flops, nobody having an AF of over 1.

hero is bb with As 9c
utg calls, co folds, button calls, sb completes, i check.

flop 7h 9s 8s
sb checks, i check? hoping to check raise. checked around

turn qc
sb checks, i bet?, utg calls, 2 folds.

river 9h
i bet? should i try for a check raise here?

so, it feels like i played this hand wrong on 3 streets.

Re: a9o on the bb in 2/4 six max
 

I think checking is correct preflop. If suited, it must be close to a raise IMO.

I think the flop check-raise is good only if you know there is a high likelyhood a LP player will bet. And given your description of the players I don't think we can say that here. So I would bet.

Given that you checked flop, yes, I'd value bet that turn.

I prefer a river bet-reraise to a sexy check-raise especially given that villain is probably passive and not likely to do an expert value bet-call or a bluff. Given the drawy nature of the board I think your check will induce a bluff from busted draw a small amount of time, but I think this is just a case of getting a call out of a calling station. Easy river bet IMO.

Re: a9o on the bb in 2/4 six max
 

I'm thinking preflop is probably correct; I doubt A9o has much of an equity advantage over 3 top 50% hands?

Flop I just bet, I can't count on someone betting my hand for me. If I let this check thru I give highcard/rag hands a chance to crush me for free.

Turn I bet, I probably have the best hand (so long as no one has a Q, obviously).

River I just don't get tricky here and make sure I get at least one bet in the pot. Besides, because you didn't bet the flop your hand is pretty well disguised here and you might just luck out and get raised so you can 3bet.

GbetbetbetG

Re: a9o on the bb in 2/4 six max
 

Preflop: Worst unsuited ace im raising here is AJ.

Flop: I bet. You shouldn't expect passive players to bet for you.

Turn: Good

River: Easy easy easy value bet. Again don't expect passive players to bet for you. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] But im leading here even if villian was aggressive.

Re: a9o on the bb in 2/4 six max
 

Yeah I tend to play ABC poker in situations like you've described. Your opponents are passive and loose. You have tptk. Bet the flop, bet the turn, bet/raise the river.

As for PF, I don't hate a raise, but checking is probably better.