Line is solid overall, but we miss a clear small value bet on the river and Q8s is a bit loose from LJ this deep.
Betting is clearly preferred with top pair on this semi-wet Queen-high texture where we hold a strong equity and value advantage; using a small size as we did is well within the optimal mixed strategy and keeps worse pairs and draws in.
Checking back is perfectly reasonable — this turn increases the threat from spade holdings and slightly narrows our value edge, so mixing between betting for protection/value and checking to control pot and protect our range is correct. **Board:** With three spades out there, the board becomes more dangerous for one-pair; many of BB’s flop calls continue with strong spade holdings and we’re no longer as eager to pile money in with a marginal top pair. **Ranges:** BB’s range is condensed around pairs and spade-heavy holdings after calling flop, while our range still has strong hands but also a lot of medium-strength one-pair; that naturally drives a higher check frequency with hands like this. --- > **Takeaway:** When an extra spade arrives and our one-pair hand is only marginally ahead, mixing in turn checks to control pot and protect our checking range is correct.
We should usually take a small value bet when checked to; middle pair here still has a big equity edge versus BB’s range and a 30–35% pot stab comfortably gets called by worse while rarely getting punished. **Ranges:** After check–check turn and BB checking river, BB shows a lot of weak pairs (3x/5x), underpairs, some weaker Qx and occasional slowplays; our Queen is in the upper-middle of our range and well ahead of the bulk of their check range. **Sizing:** A small bet (around 3–3.5BB into 9.8BB) targets exactly those weak pairs and worse Qx, while keeping the pot small versus stronger Kx or very strong spade holdings that continue. --- > **Takeaway:** When we have clear range and equity advantage and face a river check, look for thin small value bets instead of defaulting to check-back.
Note: Checking back misses a profitable small value bet versus BB’s many weaker pairs and some worse Qx after they check all three streets.