Hero is button (Js 9s) about 200 BB deep.

3 limpers and I limp on the button. SB makes it 12, four players call and then I call. pot (72)

Flop is 7c 8s Qs


All players check to me and I bet 35. SB calls, 3 folds and cut off calls.

Turn is 6d

Both players check and I bet 75. SB folds and cut off moves all in for 215 total so 140 more to me.

Hero?


I decided to bet flop because based on the table's play I felt there was a good chance nobody was strong and I could possibly take it down right there. And obviously even if I get called I have a strong draw and could catch. On the turn I knew the SB who was the original raiser was weak and would fold because I had a great read on him. The cut off was a good player and I knew he did not have 2 pair or a set on the flop so I thought he either had a medium strength Q or a strong draw. So even though normally I think I would check the turn I felt like I could take it down with aggression. I also had a very tight image and would get them to lay down a Q.

I'd check the turn and see if I catch my one of my draws on the river...and wouldn't go crazy if I hit the J high flush. I don't think the opponent is folding to $75 given the pot size and it's a perfect spot to take a free card.

It comes down to FE here and with 2 players in the pot I like checking the turn more than betting. If I was goin to bet I would bet a lot bigger and call a shove depending on stack sizes (not sure about stacks sizes here).

The beauty of having position here is taking a free card.

I agree with you guys I normally would take a free card on the turn but for some reason I just felt like they both had marginal hands and aggression was the way to go. Thanks for your input. How do you guys feel about my bet on the flop? I like my bet but I do think it is a little questionable against 5 players.

The half pot bet on the flop is ok...I would prefer making it closer to $50. I agree with the others about taking a free card on the turn...you seemingly have a lot of outs you can hit and a lot of the hands they are calling with on the flop aren't going away on the turn. In regards to the turn check/raise I think with getting close to 3.5:1 we have to call because we are priced in, even though you don't like putting that much in without knowing exactly how many outs you have you call and hope he has a set and not 9 10.