Older thread - Defending A high from the BB

[mconstab]

I recall several months ago (within the last 6 months) there was a fairly lengthy thread in the SH forum discussing the merits of calling or raising the flop with A high from the BB against a steal. I believe it was more of a general discussion than a posted hand example.

I've had a look through some of the older posts but can't seem to track it down. Of couse I may have gone mad and dreamt this up!

[Skrotnisse]

[Willem]

I can't remember any such thread to be honest.

But I don't really like the idea of check-raising A-high in 6-max games. (Except when you have a nut flushdraw) But if you want to do it, you should look for paired boards.

[irishiain]

thread link

[nsidestrate]

I do this quite a bit in full ring and generally check-raise a ton of flops. I wrote a bunch of drivel about it on my blog.

[Willem]

No wonder I don't remember the thread, as it's over 9 months old. The analysis does miss a few important points:

First, it doesn't consider what to do when villain 3-bets. Check-raising any two cards and frequently getting 3-bet will put you in many tough spots.

Second, If you check-raise every flop, he will definitely start playing back at you at some point. I think it's better to slow down a bit and exploit him to a lesser extent to prevent him from taking counter measures. If villain starts playing back at you, you're most likely screwed as he has position on you.

Third, the EV of check-calling down is omitted. Letting him bluff can yield a higher EV than check-raising and chasing away all worse hands but not better ones. In fact, if villain 3 barrels his entire range, check-calling down yields more EV than check-raising.

[nsidestrate]

I wouldn't advocate check-raising every flop. I estimate that I check-raise about 60-70% of all flops. I'm least likely to check-raise an Ace high flop no matter what I hold because he is most likely to connect with Aces. King or Queen high flops are actually the best ones to check-raise. All rag flops as described in the OP are more problematic, but against the right player can still be profitably check-raised.

You are correct that 3 betting a wide segment of his range is the best response from villain, but I can tell you over a very wide sample that this line is relatively rare. I see call flop raise, fold to turn lead by far the most often, followed by call flop, raise turn. Next most frequent is fold flop and then three bet flop.

If villain 3 barrels his entire range, I don't think check-calling yields more EV. I can bang good hands harder and call down when I'm ahead of his range anyhow.

[mconstab]

The comments have reiterated the reason why I brought the old thread up.

I'm divided as to what the best course of action is in these spots so have took the simple line of playing aggressive against TAGS and inducing bluffs against LAGS. I just feel that the decent LAGS are exploiting this a bit and value betting me when it appears obvious I've got A high.