We seem to have a lot of questions of late on how to play TPMK (marginal kicker) OOP against some of the more aggressive opponents we face. In my experience, this is a very difficult situation, especially against opponents that are bold enough to 2 barrel or 3 barrel bluff if they suspect you are weak.

In general, I think these situations are only difficult against very aggressive opponents. Passive opponents will usually help you keep the pot small, and are easily slowed down by a donk bet or a CR at some point in the hand. although still not a good situation to be in, it still makes the hand easier to play.

So which line do you guys usually take with TPMK against aggro opponents? I'll post some general examples.

assume stacks are 200$ @ 1/2 NL full ring.

You have K6 in the BB. UTG+2 is 28/21/4 and willing to 2 or 3 barrel if you seem weak.

UTG+2 limps, SB limps, you check

pot 6$
flop K93
-- SB checks, you check, UTG+2 bets $6, SB folds, you call

pot 18$
turn 5
-- You donk $12, UTG +2 calls

pot $42
River J
-- you?

-- Do you prefer a flop or turn CR as an alternate line during this hand? River plan?

You have QT in the BB. MP2 is a pretty standard tag @ 19/12/5.

MP2 limps, CO limps, SB folds, you check

pot $7
flop QJ3
-- you check, MP2 bets $6, CO folds, you call

$19
turn 4
-- you check, MP2 bets $15, you?

-- again, do you CR the flop or turn in this spot in order to clarify your hand? Do you prefer leading the turn more against a tag as opposed to a lag? Would you lead the flop here even if you think there is a good chance an opponent will stab with nothing?



any other common situations I'm missing? In general, what are your thoughts on TPMK from the blinds against an aggro opponent on a dry board?