Using Postition

I am just returning to ring after a few months off, I am also trying to expand beyond the '19 hand' strat. After the flop should I bet out and try to take it down right there, or check and see what happens?


PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

BB ($13.55)
UTG ($17.65)
Hero ($27.30)
MP1 ($10.05)
MP2 ($25.25)
CO ($17.40)
Button ($4.65)
SB ($14.95)

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with Ahttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif, Qhttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif.
UTG raises to $0.75, Hero calls $0.75, 4 folds, SB calls $0.65, BB calls $0.50.

Flop: ($3) 3http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, 5http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif, Thttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero ??? [color=white]bets $1.75, SB folds, BB folds, UTG folds.

Final Pot: $4.75

It's probably close either way. Against 4 players it's hard to steal a pot. And UTG is 3rd to act, so SB or BB could have been going for a cr. You have position, but a lot of players play check to the raiser, so the fact that they checked doesn't tell you anything about their hands. SB and BB could have checked any 2 cards in this spot.
The flop does look quite harmless though and the T is the only scare card.

If I was in your situation I would also take a stab at the pot. You have 2 overcards anyway. Standard hand

i like to cbet here...

-you have position.
-the board is rags.
-you may likely be good here.

however, watch for the float...if you dont improve.

oop, i dont cbet too much if i called a raise. however, i may c/r the raiser every so often...to keep him honest.

I probably bet this the same I would A-T or JJ (around $1.75) and see what happens. Checking in this spot tells the whole table that you didn't hit.

I like making a little stab at these pots. The board is unlikely to have hit anyone, and no-one seems to want to take the pot. If it's up for grabs then grab it.

Beware if you're called and hit an A or Q on the turn though. Because the board is so dry people are likely to slowplay a set (not that slowplaying is the best play, but that's for another thread). If I get called on the flop I'll check behind an A or Q turn often, and either flat call a river bet or bet myself if checked to.