QTo LJ on A96r: Leverage The Broadway Turn

Hero
Q♠T♦
Position
LJ vs BB
Pot
Single-Raised Pot
Flop
6♦ 9♥ A♠

While checking the flop is fine with air, the turn Jack provides the perfect semi-bluff opportunity to pressure the BB's capped range.

Flop Analysis

Checking back is a very reasonable alternative to a small c-bet. While we have a range advantage on this Ace-high board, Q-high has enough showdown value against BB's total air to occasionally check and realize equity. **Ranges:** We hold a massive nut advantage with all the AK, AQ, and AA that BB would 3-bet preflop. However, QTo is the bottom of our range and functions well as a check-back to protect our checking range. **Board:** This rainbow texture is extremely dry. BB will struggle to continue against any aggression without a pair, but checking allows us to see a free turn and potentially improve to a straight or pair. --- > **Takeaway:** On dry Ace-high boards, you don't need to c-bet 100% of your range; checking back your weakest high cards keeps your range balanced.

Turn Analysis

The turn is a mandatory bet after the flop checks through. The Jack is a fantastic card for our range and specifically gives our hand an Open-Ended Straight Draw, allowing us to semi-bluff with high efficiency. **Ranges:** BB is significantly capped after checking twice on this board. They rarely have AJ, JJ, or 99, whereas we still have all those strong combinations in our checking range from the flop. **Sizing:** A medium to large sizing (60-80% pot) is preferred here. We want to maximize fold equity against BB's 6x, 9x, and small pocket pairs while building a pot for when we hit our King or Eight on the river. **Plan:** If called, we are looking to barrel most rivers. Any K or 8 gives us the nuts, and any Spade, Queen, or Ten provides additional fold equity or showdown value to continue the story. --- > **Takeaway:** When the board develops in a way that favors your range and gives you equity, use a larger sizing to pressure capped opponents.

Key Concepts

  • 12.9
  • Hero Strong Advantage
  • IP
  • Dry Board
  • LEAN TOWARD AGGRESSION