77 BB on A96r: Protect Your Bluff-Catchers

Hero
7♣7♥
Position
BB vs SB
Pot
Single-Raised Pot
Flop
6♦ 9♥ A♠

We should defend our pocket pair against the small flop bet and then realize our equity by checking down on a board that favors the preflop raiser.

Flop Analysis

Calling is the only play here. We have a pocket pair that functions as a solid bluff-catcher against the Small Blind's wide range, especially facing a small sizing.

Turn Analysis

Checking back is correct. The Ten is a better card for the SB's range, and while we picked up a gutshot, our hand has no value in betting.

River Analysis

A pure check to showdown. We have some showdown value against missed straight draws (like 87 or 54), but we aren't strong enough to bet for value.

Key Concepts

  • Protection Priority
  • Villain Strong Advantage
  • IP
  • Dry Board
  • POT CONTROL