HERO is a spectator

I have played with both players several times over the last 1-2 years,both are solid seemingly winning players who err towards a taggy style and do not appear to be distressed/tilty

BTN(450)

UTG(450)

UTG opens for 8

Folds to BTN who 3b to 20

UTG calls

HU
FLOP(40) 822r

UTG checks
BTN bets 30
UTG min c/r to 60
BTN call

HU
TURN(160) K

UTG check
BTN bet 45
UTG call

HU
RIVER(250) 4

UTG check
BTN bet 75
UTG tank-tank calls

BTN tables Q3

UTG tables JJ

What the hell was going on here?

These two must have some history of trying to bluff each other. BTN obviously never thought they had the best hand. The preflop reraise is trying to get UTG off a small pair but UTG had a real hand.

When the flop c-bet is check/raised BTN called so they could continue their bluff and try to steal the pot later. This strongly indicates some history between the two of trying to bluff and rebluff each other. BTN isn't calling this raise unless he thinks UTG has some bluff and light minimum raises.

The small turn and river bet is trying to represent AK/big pair and bluff UTG off cheaply. The turn bet may have been OK depending on their history. That bet is not really intended to get UTG out, it is just setting up the river bluff. The river bet is probably too small, because it is so small that UTG can't really fold a legitimate hand even if he thinks it's likely he is beat.

Not sure what button is thinking, he seriously is leveling himself imo. The only hands those small bets fold our are maybe A high that missed. It's the value bet bluff but on that board I have no clue what he was attempting to represent.

I don't understand the purpose of the c/r.

I really don't know who player this hand worse.

at low levels this is a raise to "See where he is at". It's obviously terrible but somehow he got BTN to barrell through.

OH and bad read...these are likely fish. Sizing a disaster, everything sucks.