Hand described is from a satelite into a 1K+ event, played more than a month ago.

Blinds are 1000/2000 with 400 ante. 8 players at the table. Multiple tables running. 50% more of the players need to be eliminated to win an entry. Average stack somewhere between 45-50k.

UTG+1: older, competent TAG. Hasn't been going to showdown but by number of hands played is not a nit. At one point previously flatted about 2/11 of his stack to an early position raise (with position) and shoved the flop when checked to. Has tournament experience and some familiarity with satelite strategy. Starts the hand with about 55K.

utg+2: shortstack for several orbits, starts the hand with about 11K. No reads but seems to be making standard shove/folds.

Hero: mid 30s. Image is snug since being moved. Has played only a few hands due to lack of cards. About 39K chips. in the big blind.

Villain opens 7k. Shorty ships for 11k. hero looks down at jts and???

As hero deliberates opener shows signs of weakness - he does 'not look happy' to have been raised or that hero might get involved. Based on this hero eliminates the top of his range. Probably no 99 or bigger pairs, or ak. This would leave him with an effective range along the lines of a5s+, a7+, kq, kj, qj and all pairs 99 and smaller.

Shortstack's range is unclear relative to optimal strategy in this spot. If posters want to quickly range it I will ask Hero to clarify whether he thinks it is wider/tighter but otherwise just assume villain is acting like an average player (but aware of the blinds coming up).

Opener can not reopen the bidding if BB calls.


What should hero do?

I fold pre.

Villain probably feels uncomfortable because he thinks you have a big hand. You don't. Fold.

Would fold fairly quickly.

"no"