87o BB on 984r: Protect Your Marginal Pairs

Hero
8♣7♠
Position
BB vs UTG
Pot
Single-Raised Pot
Flop
4♦ 8♥ 9♠

While checking is standard, we should look for thin value bets on later streets when the aggressor shows weakness.

Flop Analysis

Checking our entire range is the standard play here as the Big Blind caller on a board that slightly favors the preflop raiser.

Flop Analysis

We have a mandatory call with middle pair; we are far too high in our range to fold to a single continuation bet.

Turn Analysis

Checking is fine, but we can begin to mix in small leads to protect our hand and deny equity to overcards.

River Analysis

After UTG checks back the turn, their range is capped, making a small value bet with our pair of eights the preferred play.

Note: Checking back allows Villain to realize equity for free; a small bet targets their A-high and small pocket pairs.

Key Concepts

  • Multi-Street Play
  • Villain Slight Advantage
  • OOP
  • Wet Board
  • LEAN TOWARD CHECK