We correctly identified our hand as a bluff-catcher on the river, calling down after the board texture shifted against us.
Checking is the preferred play here. While we have a backdoor flush draw, this low, connected board favors the SB's defending range more than our UTG opening range.
Note: Betting here is thin; checking back realizes equity and protects our range on a board that favors the caller.
The 8s is a fantastic card for us, giving us top pair. When SB leads into us, we have a mandatory call given our equity and the pot odds provided. **Ranges:** SB's lead (donk bet) often represents marginal made hands like 77 or 6x, or draws like 54 or spade flush draws. We are ahead of enough of their range to continue comfortably. **Math:** We are getting 2.5:1 on a call, needing roughly 28% equity. With top pair and a queen kicker, we have over 50% equity against their betting range. --- > **Takeaway:** When you turn top pair and face aggression, don't overthink it—the price is too good to fold.
On the river, our hand is demoted to second pair, but we remain at the top of our bluff-catching range. Calling is the correct play to prevent Villain from over-bluffing their missed draws. **Board:** The Ten is a relatively blank card, though it does complete a specific straight (97). However, it doesn't complete the primary spade flush draw that missed. **Math:** Facing a 1.25x pot overbet, we need about 36% equity. While Villain's range is polarized toward sets (88, 66) and straights, our specific combo doesn't block the missed spade draws they are likely to bluff with. --- > **Takeaway:** When the primary draws miss and you hold a high-ranking pair, you must call down to keep Villain's bluffs in check.