Flop Analysis
Auto-played to reach this drill spot — you didn't act here, so it isn't scored.
We correctly called a turn check-raise with top pair, but betting the river into a completed flush was too thin.
Auto-played to reach this drill spot — you didn't act here, so it isn't scored.
Betting for value is correct once we turn top pair, though the solver prefers a larger sizing to maximize protection and value on a wet board. The small sizing allows SB to continue with many draws and marginal pairs.
Calling the check-raise is mandatory given our top pair strength and the excellent pot odds provided by the shallow SPR. **Ranges:** SB's check-raise range is polarized between strong value like 97s or sets and semi-bluffs like spade draws or gutshots. We beat all their bluffs and some smaller Ax that might overplay. **Math:** We are getting 2.1:1 on a call, requiring roughly 32% equity. With top pair and a Queen kicker, we have over 57% equity against a standard aggressive check-raising range. **Plan:** We are effectively committed. On most non-spade, non-straight runouts, we are looking to get to showdown or call a shove if SB continues their aggression. --- > **Takeaway:** When facing a raise with top pair at low SPR, the pot odds usually make folding impossible.
Checking back is the preferred play here. The river completes the heart flush, turning our top pair into a pure bluff catcher that cannot comfortably bet for value. **Board:** The 2h is a significant card because it completes the backdoor flush. Since we checked the flop, SB has many more suited heart combinations in their range than they would in a high-frequency c-bet scenario. **Ranges:** When we bet, we only get called by hands that beat us, such as flushes, two pairs (97, A9), or sets. Marginal hands that we beat, like A8 or A6, will often find a fold facing a 70% pot bet on this texture. **Sizing:** By betting 7.2BB, we are essentially turning a hand with high showdown value into a bluff. If we wanted to bet, it would need to be a small block bet, but checking back to realize our equity is much higher EV. --- > **Takeaway:** Don't turn top pair into a bluff on cards that complete multiple draws; just take your showdown value.
Note: Betting the river is too thin; top pair should check back to realize showdown value once the flush completes.