100NL- AJs in SB, SPR Question

[threads13]

Wow, no comments on this yet?

I think this is a hand that is in between the stealing and committing with the best hand continuum. Specifically since your read is that you will just be able to steal this pot either here or after the flop I think a raise is a good play. You are OOP but this hand is certainly playable and this gets you into the best SPR against the deep stack if he calls. Also, if the button calls and raises you on the flop I don't think you have to be committed.

For example, if you raise to 4, it goes HU to the flop with the button, you miss and you bet 4 again you will be right at putting 1/3 of your stack in and since this was pretty much a bluff at this point(which is profitable here) and you may have very few outs I think you are ok folding. It is an exception but if you think he is predictable enough then I am ok with it.

[Jeff76]

I think 4 is too little. At least with 5 then we have some FE PF, but I think both of these players are gong to call 4 every time. And AJ isn't really THAT strong of a hand, so I'd like a lower SPR if possible for those times I do flop a jack.

The thing about 5 is that I'd really like to be HU with MP3, and it seems likely that the button will call 4 more if MP3 does. However, there is some benefit to having the short stack in, which might offset how easy it will be for me to get pot stuck against him with overs- his presence creates a protected pot so it will be very difficult for MP3 to float/bluff a flop c-bet.

I actually think 6 might be best, especially since it will sometimes result in a HU pot with a good SPR (3.75) against MP3. The only problem with 6 is if the button does call then a c-bet commits me to getting all in with overs against him.

[threads13]

[ QUOTE ]
I think 4 is too little. At least with 5 then we have some FE PF, but I think both of these players are gong to call 4 every time. And AJ isn't really THAT strong of a hand, so I'd like a lower SPR if possible for those times I do flop a jack.

The thing about 5 is that I'd really like to be HU with MP3, and it seems likely that the button will call 4 more if MP3 does. However, there is some benefit to having the short stack in, which might offset how easy it will be for me to get pot stuck against him with overs- his presence creates a protected pot so it will be very difficult for MP3 to float/bluff a flop c-bet.

I actually think 6 might be best, especially since it will sometimes result in a HU pot with a good SPR (3.75) against MP3. The only problem with 6 is if the button does call then a c-bet commits me to getting all in with overs against him.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thinking further it would probably be best to raise to 6 as you mention since you should tailor your raises towards the deep stack since more money is at risk against him.