With top pair and a gutshot in a 3-bet pot, we must protect our equity against a check-raise on a coordinated board.
Flop Analysis
Betting small is the preferred play after SB checks. We have top pair and a gutshot, and we need to extract value from overcards while protecting against the many turns that could kill our action.
**Ranges:** We have a slight equity advantage (53.5%) because our range contains more sets (99, 66, 55) and 78s than the SB's 3-betting range. SB's range is heavy with overcards like AK/AQ (68%) that we want to charge immediately.
**Board:** The 9-high rainbow texture is relatively safe but connected. While no flush is possible, the straight potential (78 already made) means we cannot afford to check back and give free cards to hands like AJ or KQ.
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> **Takeaway:** On low-to-middling boards in 3-bet pots, use small sizing with top pair to keep the opponent's overcards in and protect your equity.
Flop Analysis
Shoving over the check-raise is a high-frequency GTO play here. With an SPR under 1.0 after the raise, we are effectively committed with top pair and a gutshot against a range that includes many semi-bluffs.
**Math:** We need roughly 32.5% equity to continue, and our hand currently has 55.4% against SB's continuing range. By shoving, we maximize our fold equity against SB's air and realize our full equity when called.
**Blockers:** Our 8h is a crucial card; it blocks the nut straight (78) and some of SB's potential 8x bluffs. This makes it more likely SB is either overplaying a hand like JJ/TT or semi-bluffing with overcards.
**Plan:** Since the SPR is so shallow (0.87), there is no room for maneuvering on the turn. Shoving now simplifies the decision and prevents us from being pushed off our equity on scary turn cards like an Ace or King.
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> **Takeaway:** When the SPR is low and you hold top pair with additional draw equity, lean toward aggression to realize your full share of the pot.