Just sat down. Normally 2/3 player.

$10 straddle. 8ring 500 eff

Unknown villain opened button to 25 i 3bet QTs in the BB to 100

Is 3betting correct here? I also feel my sizing was too big. maybe 80/85. i dont think calling is an option Oop. Leaning toward folding being correct. Curious on your thoughts.

Size is fine if we're three betting. I would usually go 5x with a straddle but since you're so shallow 4x seems good.

I think calling is the best option at this depth followed by raising and I'm just never folding a hand this strong vs a 2.5x btn open unless I know the straddle is a spazz and will be raising a ton

If we were 1k effective I'm 3betting 100% freq

You’re gonna wanna have some reads before you open up your 3b range, especially OOP. I think all things considered this is a fine calling hand, good chance QTs is doing just fine against his range.

Plus at this depth, you’re not leaving yourself much room to maneuver postflop, which makes me lean towards a value heavy 3b range.

I think the big thing is you are shot taking. Generally, you want to play a bit more conservatively OOP when you are shot taking and you have no reads on the villain. We don't know if this villain even opens up his range when raising on the button or how much he will do so. We don't now if he gets sticky if raised. We do know that unless he is raising half of his hands, you're behind his range.

At the same time, at best they know you as a 2/3 regular. They'll going to figure you aren't getting out of line so you have a good chance to win the pot as they fold. If they don't fold, you're way behind and are going to need a good flop to save you. So I don't mind the raise and you want to make it unpleasant for them to call.

Calling is OK but I've seen this movie many times. You miss the flop, the button bets and you have to fold. QTs is a classic RIO hand. If you hit TP with the T, how excited are to you get your stack in with an SPR of 5 against the pfr who is betting?

TBH, you're probably not ready for shot taking at 5/5 without having any reads on the table, even in the first hand. Sure, they aren't locked solid, but at least it is something to start with.

I mean that’s a little harsh imo. I think what you mean to say is that OP should be looking for things and making loose generalizations about players as soon as we sit down.

Just because you don’t have reads on players you’ve never played with doesn’t exactly mean you’re not ready.

Yeah in my own circle we agreed that i shouldnt assume the button opens a correct range. He could be a nit for all i know and now im playing a bloated pot with a marginal hand OOP against a player i have no reads on.

My thoughts real time were hes on the button, he looks like a grinder, QTs is likely ahead of his range, i could take the betting lead, get value from worse, disguise my hand if it hits and potentially fold out a good portion of his opening range. Seemed like a good spot at the time but with some reflection i dont think i should be 3 betting an unknown.

Luckily i smashed the flop and got paid on all 3 streets just in time for a seat to open up at my regular game.

Im also dominated by a decent chunk of a bet call range.

100BB this is usually a 25% call 75% 3 Bet for upswings solved ranges.

50BB I think a flat is the right play.

Sizing wise, 100BB pot this is standard, maybe even a touch bigger since we 3Bet BB polarized and are OOP (versus SB where we 3Bet linear).

If we do 3Bet this at 50BB I assume sizing is too big...?

Yeah, this is a partial. I would presume at 50bb you do it less than at 100bb. So if at 100bb its around 25%, at 50bb I would presume it to be around 15% or so. I think you do not have to be as polarized as at 100bb (since equity realization OOP at smaller stack sizes is greater). So sizing can be lowered slightly, however 9.5-10bb is totally reasonable.

There is no need to 3b here but it's not bad either, especially if your opponent would have a wider than normal BTN opening range (and maybe their 2.5x open size is indicative of that).

With the straddle on villain is opening to 2.5x on the btn. If he looks like a grinder/reg than he knows the straddle is on and knows he's made it 2.5x(a smaller sizing than most standard live opens). I would much rather 3-bet to $100 than call and allow the straddler into the pot. And I usually choose this 4x sizing from the blinds vs a steal.

Looks ok, might go slightly larger because of straddle - say 115 - 135.

Those were solved for a 2 blind game though right? This is 3 blind so our range would probably be closer to the sb in 2 blind (but slightly different bc btn will open tighter in 3 blind)

Agree that this hand plays fine as a flat or 3b, in practice I would flat if the straddle wasn’t very squeezy and 3b otherwise. Also agree we can go a little smaller given the stack sizes

thanks for replies. give me a lot to think about.

Oops, I thought you were the straddle.

Now it's a different spot and interesting. You can flat here, assuming the BB is under-3betting.

Now, if anything I'd go lower since you should have more of a linear range. QTs should likely be practically the bottom of your 3b'ing range to something like $90-$95. Honestly, I like a call here kind of often but only if the BB is under-3betting (which a lot of players do). 3-betting is also good and what I would do if BB is competent.