raising preflop here doesn't just start building a pot in position against a weak calling range by the BB (which by the way is very very important).

It also will help define both your range and the BB range of hands.

Also, it gives you the initiative in the hand allowing you to take it down a lot when you both miss (as you are repping a big hand)

Finally, it balances your raising range.

***hi everyone, first post here please be nice***

I used to think like that as well, the problem is that thought process leads to playing very weak tight poker, and only raising with the top hands means it is difficult to get paid off vs and semi decent opponent.

I mean you are playing 5 handed in this pot, on the button and someone else limps, you have a very decent hand, QTs, you should raise it up and make these guys pay to play with inferior hands..... it also makes it much easier to define the hand they are playing should they call.

So, raise preflop IMO.

On the flop it is checked around to you, to be honest I probably try and steal the pot here with a bet, I mean what is the point in having the button if you aren't going to abuse it?

On the turn to be honest I don't like the call, simply because you are drawing basically to 2 outs, any or makes a potential flush and puts you in the land of reverse implied odds, and remember you didn't raise preflop so you have no idea of knowing if one of these fish limped in with K4s or whatever. - On top of that if a Q or T comes on the river you are probably going to feel committed to call a bet, and pay off someone else with a straight or funky 2 pair.

On the river, I like the raise, it is difficult to see how you can get paid more here to be honest, you play the hand weak>weak>weak>STRONG!, it kind of screams monster, you best hope is getting paid by 76 or T7.

Have you read this article/discussion? it has helped me play more aggressive since starting 6 max....... and improved my win rate.