How should you play 9-9 pre-flop in a multi-way pot?
Correct Answer: C. Raise to thin the field and protect your hand (Correct)
Explanation:
Raising with 9-9 in a multi-way pot helps thin the field and protect your hand from being outdrawn by multiple opponents seeing a cheap flop. By raising, you increase the likelihood of isolating one or two opponents, which simplifies your decision-making process after the flop and reduces the chances of being outdrawn by weaker hands.
Example to Illustrate the Concept:
Scenario:
- Table Setup: A nine-player Texas Hold’em game.
- Blinds: $1/$2
- Your Position: Middle Position (MP).
- Your Stack: $200
- Your Hand: 9♠️ 9♦️
- Initial Action: Two players limp for $2 each before the action gets to you.
Action Steps:
- Initial Decision:
- Hand: 9♠️ 9♦️
- Position: MP
- Decision: Raise to thin the field and protect your hand.
- Execution:
- Action: You raise to $10 (5x the big blind).
- Possible Outcomes:
- Outcome 1: Everyone folds, and you win the pot.
- Result: You win $7 ($2 from each limper + $1 small blind + $2 big blind).
- Benefit: You win the pot without seeing a flop, avoiding any potential tough post-flop decisions.
- Outcome 2: One or more players call.
- Result: You go to the flop with a strong hand and a larger pot.
- Benefit: You have a strong hand and have thinned the field, reducing the likelihood of being outdrawn.
- Outcome 1: Everyone folds, and you win the pot.
Practical Example:
Hand: 9♠️ 9♦️
- Position: MP
- Action: Two players limp for $2 each.
Your Action:
- Raise: You raise to $10.
Opponent Responses:
- Player 1 (UTG): Folds.
- Player 2 (UTG+1): Calls $10.
- Player 3 (CO): Calls $10.
- Player 4 (Button): Folds.
- Player 5 (SB): Folds.
- Player 6 (BB): Calls $8.
Pot Size:
- Initial Pot: $9 (blinds + limpers)
- Your Raise: $10
- Total Pot: $9 + $10 + $10 + $10 = $39
Flop:
- Flop: 7♦️ 5♠️ 2♣️
Post-Flop Play:
- Continuation Bet:
- Action: You bet $20 into the $39 pot.
- Reasoning: You want to protect your hand and continue showing strength.
- Opponent Responses:
- Player 2 (UTG+1): Folds.
- Player 3 (CO): Calls $20.
- Player 6 (BB): Folds.
Turn:
- Turn: 4♣️
- Second Bet:
- Action: You bet $40 into the $79 pot.
- Reasoning: Continue to show strength and protect your hand.
- Opponent Response:
- Player 3 (CO): Folds.
Benefits of Raising Pre-Flop with 9-9 in a Multi-Way Pot:
- Thinning the Field:
- Example: Raising to $10 pre-flop reduces the number of opponents seeing the flop, decreasing the chances of someone outdrawing you.
- Outcome: Increases the likelihood of your 9-9 holding up.
- Building the Pot:
- Example: Raising builds a larger pot, increasing potential winnings when you have a strong hand.
- Outcome: Maximizes the value of your hand.
- Protecting Your Hand:
- Example: By raising, you protect your hand from being outdrawn by weaker hands that might see a cheap flop if you just call.
- Outcome: Better control over the action and increased chances of winning the pot.
Conclusion:
Raising with 9-9 in a multi-way pot helps thin the field and protect your hand from being outdrawn by multiple opponents seeing a cheap flop. By raising, you increase your chances of isolating one or two opponents and controlling the action, which enhances your overall profitability and strategic play in the game.
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