Limit Texas Holdem Hand Quiz #10

[Matt]

You are in early position with A:spades:Q:clubs: . The two players before you limp and you raise. A loose-aggressive player in middle position calls. Both blinds and the two limpers also call. The flop is Q:spades: 2:clubs: 8:diamonds:. The blinds and limpers check to you. You bet, and the middle-position player raises. Everyone folds to you. The pot contains 15 small bets. What's your move?

[Nima]

On a second thought, Call planning for check raise.

Cheers,
Nima

[Matt]

Call and check-raise the turn. Your opponent could be raising with a set or two pair, but he would probably wait for the turn to raise with those hands. The board is fairly ragged, so he's probably not raising a draw. His most likely holding is a queen with a lower kicker. Since he is aggressive, he will probably bet again on the turn. You can gain an extra bet by check-raising. In the actual hand, the player held Q-Jo.

I like to check-raise the turn if I think I have the best hand, I'm sure my opponent will bet, and I'm not afraid of giving a free card. It's a good way to mix up your play and win extra bets. Frequently check-raising the turn can also allow you to see free cards. If you develop an aggressive image, your opponents may be afraid to bet the turn with modest holdings. This is helpful, because you will often bet the flop with overcards in shorthanded pots. David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth introduced this play in Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players.