preflop Analysis
Defending 87s against the Button’s small open is standard. We get a strong price with a hand that realizes well when it connects or picks up equity.
Keep the flop pot controlled with our huge draw, then use a larger value size once the turn gives us the effective nuts.
Defending 87s against the Button’s small open is standard. We get a strong price with a hand that realizes well when it connects or picks up equity.
Checking is the main line with this powerful but unmade combo draw. We are out of position, and checking lets the Button continue betting K-high, Q-high, and other hands that would often fold to a lead.
Calling is preferred after the stab. Our raise is a reasonable mix, but it gives up value by folding out much of the Button’s air and weaker high-card hands while pairs and stronger hands continue.
Betting our straight for value is clearly right, and the chosen medium size is close. The stronger preference is a slightly larger medium bet, which extracts more from overpairs and top pair while building a natural river stack-off pot.