Flop Analysis
Shoving here is a significant overplay. We have second pair and a gutshot, but by jamming, we allow the BB to play perfectly by folding their air and calling with everything that beats us. **Ranges:** The BB's large preflop 3-bet range is heavily weighted toward high pairs and strong broadways. On this board, they have all the AJ, JJ, and overpairs (QQ+) that will never fold to our shove. **Sizing:** With an SPR of ~1.2, we have plenty of room to call and evaluate. Shoving for protection is unnecessary because the hands we are 'protecting' against (like AK or KQ) have limited equity and might continue bluffing if we just call. **Plan:** We should call to keep the BB's bluffs in the pot. If the turn brings a 9, we improve to a straight; on most other bricks, we can comfortably bluff-catch or realize our equity without over-committing against a range that dominates us. --- > **Takeaway:** In 3-bet pots with medium-strength made hands, avoid 'protection' shoves that only get called by better; focus on keeping the opponent's bluffs in.
Note: Shoving second pair into a range that 3-bet large preflop is an overplay; calling preserves our ability to catch bluffs and realize equity.