At the CoinPoker Mid-Stakes Cash Game World Championship, “PTSD” pulled off one of the best online poker bluff catches in recent memory.
“Gambl0r” figured out the hard way not to underestimate what your opponent is capable of.
Action
Playing six-handed at $2-$5 stakes with a $500 max buy-in, “PTSD” raised to $12.50 on the button with 10♥8♥. “Gambl0r” three-bet to $59.98 from the big blind with A♠3♣ and “PTSD” called.
The flop was 7♥5♠4♦ and “Gambl0r” continued for $63.10. “PTSD” called.
The turn brought the J♣. “Gambl0r” bet again, this time for $143.05. “PTSD” called.
The river was the 10♠ and “Gambl0r” went all in for $441.41 effective. “PTSD” called. “PTSD” won $1,422.56 with a pair of tens.
Analysis
There were a lot of borderline decisions made by “Gambl0r” that ultimately led to a double-up for “PTSD.”
“PTSD” had a raise 10♥8♥. On the other hand, the machine would fold “Gambl0r’s” A♠3♣, but would mix the hand into his range if he wanted to play an aggressive style or believed his opponent wsa passive.
Hands like A-4, A-5, and A-7 get mixed in as three-bet bluffs.
“PTSD” had a clear call and can even use his hand as a four-bet bluff since it’s at the bottom of his calling range.
On the very connected seven-high flop, “Gambl0r” would play a very check-heavy strategy at equilibrium since the flop significantly favor’s the button’s calling range. Thus, when he does decide to bet, it should be for a large size, around around 50-to-75% of the pot.
“Gambl0r” opted to bet 50% with his double-gutshot straight draw and “PTSD” made the call with two overs, a gutshot straight draw, and a backdoor flush draw. In fact, a solver would never raise the flop since when the big blind bets, his range should be pretty strong.
The turn gave “PTSD” a double gutshot of his own. This card should generally favor the three-bettor’s range and. As a result, especially given the flop action, “Gambl0r” should bet with a sizing that can set up an easy river shove. This happens to be about 50-75% of the pot, and he obliged with a 60% bet.
With a double gutter, “PTSD” couldn’t go anywhere against that sizing. However, if “Gambl0r” decided to bet the size of the pot or larger, “PTSD” should fold out his equity.
River Decision Could Be Affected By Opponent’s Tendencies
On the river, “Gambl0r” is going to jam the majority of their range. After picking up second pair, “PTSD” has a very close decision on the river. Player tendencies and history could affect his river decision.
“PTSD” eventually called and was right, resulting in a pot of nearly 300 big blinds going in their direction.
