AJo SB on 852r: Bluffing the Missed Draw

Hero
A♣J♠
Position
SB vs HJ
Pot
Single-Raised Pot
Flop
2♠ 5♥ 8♠

We correctly defended preflop and turned our missed flush draw into a river bluff, though our sizing was slightly larger than preferred.

Flop Analysis

Checking is the standard play as the caller. We have a high card with a backdoor flush draw, which retains enough equity to check-call against most small bets.

Flop Analysis

Calling the small continuation bet is correct. We have two overcards and a backdoor spade draw, giving us plenty of ways to improve on the turn.

Turn Analysis

The Queen of spades is a dynamic card that gives us a direct flush draw. Checking is mandatory here as the board now heavily favors the HJ's range which contains more flushes and top pairs.

River Analysis

After the turn goes check-check, the HJ is capped, making this a prime spot to bluff. Our hand is at the bottom of our range and holds the Js, which is a key blocker to the nut flush.

Note: While betting is correct, the 75% pot sizing is slightly too large; a smaller 33% pot 'probe' bet is preferred to target HJ's weak high cards and small pairs.

Key Concepts

  • Multi-Street Play
  • Hero Strong Advantage
  • OOP
  • Semi-Wet Board
  • LEAN TOWARD CHECK