ITH Poker Forum

[omega man]

when you are defending your big blind heads up against a raise what is your default play when you flop,
a)Top pair
b)Second pair
c)Bottom pair
How does this change if you see
a)Axx board
b)Kxx board
c)Qxx board
d)Jxx or lower
Other type of flops
a)monotone
b)paired board
c)3 connected
d)2connected
I hope to get some feedback as i am giving too much up in this area and need to fight my blind a bit more.

[Taardvark]

Probably not the answer you are looking for but for me it depends not only on my starting hand but on where the raise came from that I called. It also depends on villian's tendencies. If you check to them do they always c bet? If yes, how do they react to check / raises? Do they only c bet when their hand is good? Do they float a lot if you decide to lead the flop?

Board texture is important but my play on the flop from the blind is pretty read dependent.

[the_hawk]

I think it's worth pointing out that OP means FLHE here (presumably). To me, opponent tendencies are by far the most important factor. I used to defend liberally against a wide range of opponents, now I often let it go even vs blatant steals. Playing a 15/10/2.5 full ring villain heads-up OOP is not much fun without a serious hand. On the other hand a 63/50, say, can be an ATM. The OP suggests you're looking for formulaic answers. As with much else in poker, such answers really aren't there.

[the_hawk]

I also wonder on what basis you're deciding you're losing too much and if you're looking at the whole picture. ISTR you play 1/2 which can be fold-festy at times. Especially if this is the case you should look beyond just your own blind stats. How many blinds do YOU steal? If you fold almost all your blinds yet steal one set per round yourself, after all you're really "breaking even" in some sense. And that limit can be like that.

[blah730235]

There's so much more information needed besides flop texture and the fact that your in the BB to come up with a good answer to these questions.

[omega man]

yes hawk full ring 1/2 limit,the replies so far have been very vague and dissapointing so far.
And also default plays does mean formulaic too.
Maybe players do not want to give away their juicy secrets in the blinds.

[nsidestrate]

I posted at some length on this topic on my blog some time ago. It addresses a lot of your questions. Part One and Part Two

[omega man]

great post nsidestrate i thnk i am going to be coming back to this for the next few weeks.
Your one of my heros now or white knight,together with piemaster.
I will let you know how i get on over the next few weeks with this too.
Very very helpful post and thanks again.

[pokerking2000]

i like the quote, really

[jameseigenmann]

Don't play with others that who only raises his better hands, although obviously you can loosen up somewhat in the blind depending upon the odds the pot is laying you. Being aggressive can only be used against an opponent who you know will steal with any two card.