Bellagio 30/60 UTG Raises

[Rick305]

Same situation came up twice within 15 min.

No reads to speak of.

UTG raises all fold around...im in big blind with 78 suited

Call or fold......Is it even close....Would it make a difference depending on who the opponent is.

All feedback appreciated

[BigEndian]

HU I fold and I don't really care who the raise is coming from - with the rare exception of a player who is a complete and utter LAG and will give you rediculous action post flop.

- Jim

[danzasmack]

Rick,

I defend this. I don't see why not.

[JAA]

If I play better postflop than the raiser, I'm inclined to call. If we are about the same or he is better than me, I'll sometimes pass here.

- Jags

[Dan BRIGHT]

I agree that this depends on the competency of the raisor and how likely he is going to pay you off if you make it with his ace hi or 1pair.

Against most opponents and against unknowns I cheerfully fold

[brandon]

Id call that everytime. Defending your blinds is always a good thing.

I defend my big blind 95% of the time when raised from the CO or Button. Against earlier position raises I only call with hands I would call with in late posistion or Qx+ suited.

[Dan BRIGHT]

brandon I dont mean to sound pessimistic (though I do), but it seems that you would need extremely good playskill and reads on your opponents in order to defend any 2 cards profitably vs button/co raises

[stigmata]

Agree with others. If they play semi-decently your just best not getting involved.

If the UTG raiser plays badly (e.g. is transparant when he has top pair/overpair, calls down very frequently with ace-high when heads-up, etc), then you can probably play it profitably, although I would be inclined to muck it if unsure or UTG had normal/tight raising standards. Really, your looking for someone who is goofy preflop and a transparant calling-station postflop.

Finallly, if it was an LP steal-raise then I think this is a decent defending hand and has good semi-bluffing capabilities in a situation where you have a lot more fold equity, and are less likely to be up against a powerhouse.