[jesse8888]

PF: Meh. Either way, really.

OK, so everyone hates the raise. I did it for 2 of the three reasons stated above:

1. Getting a free card. I felt that COs range was pretty darn large at this point, and that most of it would check to me on the turn. He might even just call and check a made straight or set to me, trying to trap the field for 2 big bets on the turn. Everyone else would almost HAVE to check given a bet/raise from the co/btn last hand.

2. Cleaning up outs. I could see this raise buying me a couple of outs, if I could get one card BD draws or gut shots to fold. Heck, if enough people folded, the 8s could end up being outs if CO is just betting middle pair.

I did not raise for value. There is a passage in SSHE that basically says this: "If the bet comes from your right, it's almost never correct to simply call. If you're going to play, you should raise." I really need to think about raising spots like this though, as clearly I spewed at least 2 and probably 3 small bets here.