PCA Step 4 ghey spot vs. BigJoe

[curtains]

checking preflop should be best with the idea of folding whenever you don't have enough equity against a random hand on the flop. Of course this isn't easy to calculate in the heat of the moment but should almost certainly be the best play.

The correct play here is to fold because you are clearly -EV against a random hand. By checking preflop you gave yourself an extra option to avoid a -EV spot, that you wouldn't have if you simply pushed. In return you gave up absolutely nothing.

So for all those who say "just push preflop" I believe that in the strictly theoretical sense, and based on the fact that bigjoe is pushing pretty much every flop, they are just wrong. However pushing preflop is probably better from a practical standpoint.

This concept works better with really weak hands like 83o and puts both players in a situation where they can make mutually beneficial plays. You are happy that he doesn't push and lets you see a flop, he is very happy when you fold, even if your equity against his range is negative, because his survival is more important than the few extra chips he gains.

Forgive me I don't know precise prize structure, so if there is some extra benefit that goes to you for knocking him out, then the above may be a bit faulty. But the concept I'm pretty sure is correct. Basically his play is unexploitable and he should be allowed to win a pot uncontested here and there. It will be rare but it should happen sometimes, even with best play by you.