We successfully navigated a thin value spot on the river, but our flop sizing and river call against a check-raise were overly optimistic.
Checking is the preferred play here. While we have a range advantage, our specific hand has no draw and very little showdown value yet, making it a better candidate to realize equity for free.
Note: Betting half-pot with high card air is too aggressive on this low, connected board; checking back preserves our range and lets us see a turn for free.
We turn top pair and face a lead. Calling is mandatory given our improved hand strength and the excellent price offered.
The board pairs, and Villain checks. We have a clear value bet, though the solver prefers shoving to maximize pressure on Villain's remaining Jx and pocket pairs.
Facing a check-raise on the river, our two pair is essentially a bluff-catcher. While the pot odds are tempting, Villain's line is extremely strong.
Note: Calling the river raise is a mistake; Villain's check-raise range on this paired board is heavily weighted toward full houses and straights.