03-31-06, LearnTexasHoldem:

KK Play In A Sit And Go Tourney

Question: Good afternoon,

let me start off by saying that I really enjoy your website, and think its one of the best sources for new players out there. I have only been playing poker regularly for about 7 months now, but I've read a lot and studied the game and have enjoyed the great learning it has provided me along the way. So far I have played only no limit, mainly on-line, but a bit of live action at the Casino and with friends. Here is a hand that came up recently in an on-line no limit sit & go tourney that I think I misplayed but would like your opinion if you have the time to respond:

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

1500 chips start/10 players, blinds started at 10/20, rising every 8 minutes, still early in the tourney-blinds are now 25/50, 9 players left

- I'm in the small blind, and am dealt K(clubs), K (diamonds)- I have an above average stack of appx $1900

-3 players limp in, including the button who is chip leader with appx $3,500 and is playing rather aggressively postflop, normal preflop

-I raise to 4X's the blind, making it $200 to go (hoping to narrow the field to 1-2 others)-this happens with only the button calling

-Flop comes 9 (diamonds), 7(diamonds), (5 Hearts)

- I bet out $400 hoping to win the pot right there with possible flush/straight draws on the board

- Button proceeds to reraise me to $800

I put him on one of the following hands:

- Nut flush draw (A-x diamonds)-most likely

-Top pair strong kicker (A-9)

-A set (9s, 7,s or 5,s)

-maybe even straight draw (JT)

- While I am concerned about the set, with $1750 in the pot, I have $1100 left, with the blinds about to go up to $100 very shortly. My thinking was the opponent being very aggressive post flop and heavy stacked, had probably put me on overcards (AK), and was trying to take me off of my hand. I should also mention that to this point I have consistently pushed with continuation bets after my preflop raises, as for the most part, the rest of the table was quite tight.

- I chose to go all in, and he turns over an 8(clubs), 6 (spades)- turn and river nothing, and I'm knocked out of the tourney

My question: while I feel that I didn't make a horrible move, my read on my opponent was way off, and at that point in the tourney I could have folded and picked my battles with the other more predictable tight players at the table. Your thoughts?

thanks,

have a good one,

Scott

Answer:

That's a tough one. I don't think its realistic to assume you can make a read here good enough to lay down KK; especially considering that the player you are up against is capable of calling raises preflop with 86off; and also you are playing a sit & go tournament which are likely action packed. I wish I had more advice for you but the guy got lucky and cracked you. I wouldn't have layed it down either. If the guy is that bad then it is more likely that you'll have him beat than not. How can you put someone on 86 here?

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