Something I've been thinking a lot about lately how frustrating it can be to c-bet with 2nd pair, get called, have to check the turn, and x/f the river in a lot of spots. I've been experimenting with a check/call line in these spots and I was wondering what your thoughts are.

Poker Stars $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

Hero (BTN): $5.83
SB: $4.84
BB: $6.70
UTG: $2.44
MP: $4.14
CO: $4.84

Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is BTN with 8 K
3 folds, Hero raises to $0.10, 1 fold, BB calls $0.05

Flop: ($0.22) K A 3 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($0.22) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $0.15, Hero calls $0.15

River: ($0.52) T (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks



Now, I think there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, if your second pair is vulnerable. In this case, it's not a particularly wet flop so I'm not really worried about being drawn out on (ofc broadway is a possibility).

The most important thing though I think is that when checking back the flop, we're not worried about overcards coming off in this instance. My second pair is always going to be second pair regardless of what comes next.

If I had 67o and the flop was 6J3r, I will be worried about a lot of turn cards hitting my opponents range.

What do you guys think here? In the hand above, x/c is good because we often get the opponent to stab at the pot (particularly when I open from the button). Secondly, if they double or triple barrel, I can get away from my hand. I don't think they're likely to double barrel a lot without top pair either.

Or do you guys think c-betting is best IP here? Not really sure why we need the fold equity OTF - we're really only losing value to hands like 55 or 66 that may be happy to check it down to showdown.

in a readless situation (and you say you play 5nl zoom), there are different ways to play those kind of hands.

i usually look at their stack sizes. for example if someone is very short there are chances he's going to 3-bet shove pretty wide and we can't do anything about it.

checking the flop usually induces bluffs from villains but it's a bit villain depended.

also board texture is very important. if i raise 77 and bb calls and the board is J65 all spades, im more likely to bet for value since most villains will be calling a huuuuge range (depending on turn bet turn too, and depending on my read and river maybe even triple barrel)

ps: if you have 2nd pair and your cbet is called (depending on the situation) you may want to turn your hand into a bluff and fire multiple barrels (for example you raise 9Ts and flop J92 and your cbet is called but the turn is an A)

There are many ways to play when u dont have top pair and instead have middle pair. I think checking it and playing it more safe is beneficial, it also depends on the stakes too.

Yeah, that's actually something I've started doing a lot of lately. I might do this against people who have a low fold to c-bet but I honestly think x/c the flop is probably just as good.

Some poor opinions