$1/2 early afternoon game

H - UTG - $350 - LAGgy image from most of table, but V probably see's H as closer to ABC as V is a mix of LP/LAG so H doesn't likely seem out of line to V.

V - BB - $450 - Middle aged middle eastern fellow. Reg, nice guy. Definitely loose, with frequent but non-threatening aggression, if that makes sense. Will continue to apply pressure, but not significant pressure.

OTTH
H gets dealt AKo, opens UTG to $10. This is slightly less than normal ($11-12) with the thought that is might help with more callers and induce somewhere in the table. Probably the difference doesn't matter but thought I'd try a slightly different sizing and see what happens.

2 callers from MP/LP before V raises to $60. I think mostly V has a hand, something like 88+, AJs+, AQo+, maybe some suited broadways and of course some amount of spazzy squeeze hands. I think there is 0% chance that any of the callers are coming along.

I don't think fold is an option, calling $50 into $90 isn't terrible but seems like H I'm going to be in a WA/WB spot on every flop and won't maximize when I hit. Also letting mid-pairs potentially realize their equity with minimal pressure. H blocks AA and KK, V is probably folding like 75% of his AKo, maybe 25% of his QQ and AKs, and like 80+% of everything else. This all adds up to a 4b AI shove for $350, right?

Interested in thoughts. These simple, basic spots often cause me more thought than more complex spots. Thanks.

Interesting spot. Weird in-between stack depth. Much shallower and I would just shove, much deeper and I would call.

I don’t know the best choice here. I don’t think calling (and being WA/WB as you said) sounds awful. I don’t love it, but (while I don’t know your opponent) I don’t love the idea of a 6x 4bet jam with AK either.

One of my rules for these stakes is never make it $10 because you will often wind up paying 10% rake (e.g. pot is $30, they take 3), and you'll pay less with like $12. (Pot is 36, they take 3). Not many seem to think it's important, but I think it really adds up over time.


A shove seems like too much. From 60 to 350? I think a lot of Vs, especially a splashy ME are going to interpret this as AK and call accordingly. I'd actually like a shove here with AA more than AK.

Def 4 betting. Stacks are a little tricky but you could go 170. That looks very strong and might get some tight folds. You'll have plenty to play with if he calls.

If he shoves you can often fold because it's a 5 bet at 1/2. But you might get some pretty good reads since people let their guard down a little in this spot. They aren't really expecting you to ever fold anymore, so no point in acting, they reckon.

Agree with other posters that a shove here looks alot like AK wanting to end the hand right here, and you will likely get more calls from many opponents compared to if you went with a smaller 4 bet. Not that a shove isnt +EV, but i think a smaller 4 bet size to generate more folds is possibly more +EV.

Like how are you playing your KK/AA here if you happen to have those hands? If youre going with a shove size here with AK, at least make sure you are using that overbetsize with KK/AA too at some frequenzy. Because then villains is making a bigger mistake by calling it off interpreting that as "always AK", when it indeed isnt.

Also i am never flatting here with AK off. We just gonna miss too many flops and gets forced folding to C-bets from villain. Suited versions i could get on board with flatting at some freqenzy or as an exploit if we feel that is needed.

Decision seems to come down to any history with V, specifically:
1. Does he recognize your UTG open should be tighter?
2. Will he Cbet a missed flop?
3. If so, what size?

Like others have said, shoving seems spewy, and even a smaller 4B might commit. Besides, what is the plan if called, and the flop is 842r?

If we call, plan to float a small Cbet on a whiff. Otherwise, I could find a fold if V is aware of the config, that is, our UTG opening range.

I think V would read a shove as big bet = big hand. Because he would likely only shove with AA he’ll probably assign H a super nutted range.

I think V would read a shove as big bet = big hand. Because he would likely only shove with AA he’ll probably assign H a super nutted range.

If H had AA/KK here I don’t think an overbet shove would be that unusual. Not saying I’d do it at 100%, but maybe 50%? I’ve been over betting more recently with nice results. Always surprised how inelastic Vs can be.

Im OK flatting and playing IP. It really depends on the opponent though. If you know his cbet frequency that probably makes the decision.

Results: with the awkward stacks and $90 already out there I figured my FE against V’s AK, JJ type hands was too good to pass up so I shoved. V tank called w/ QQ. I feel good about the play though the feedback seems to lean towards it being spewy but not ridiculous. Thanks.