What does she have? What does she think I have? What does she think that I think she has?
So many questions to this game of poker.
The woman had been raising frequently in the this low-limit game at one of Las Vegas’ local joints. The player to her left had been running over the game, also raising frequently, betting frequently and hitting all kinds of hands, many on the river card.
I had defended my big blind with A-9 offsuit. The flop had come down A-Q-6 rainbow. I had made the obligatory check, she had bet and the guy to her left had called.
I thought for a moment my ace was good. She could have a bigger ace, of course, and she could even have A-Q. Or he could have a bigger ace. What do they think I have?
I considered a check-raise for several long seconds before finally folding.
The turn came a 4, she bet again and he called.
The river was a brick, she bet one last time and he called.
She look at him, shrugged and tossed her hand in the muck. Nothing, a complete whiff.
Just as I thought, I said to myself. He turned up 6-4 and made two little pair, which would have nipped my pair of aces.
And with the way he had been running, he would have obviously called the check-raise.
A few more laps went by.
I defended the big blind again to an erratic, older gentlemen who bet a flop of 10h-7h-x. I had been watching him for hours and he bet big draws aggressively and consistently. I put him on hearts and overcards.
Going to the river, I had an outside straight draw.
The river was a complete brick and knowing he could have easily been on a draw, I strongly considered betting. Think about it for a moment, and there’s another play that is even be more effective.
When I didn’t bet, he turned up Qh-Jh, and his queen high won the showdown.
In poker, as in life, you must have the courage of convictions. Get your money in with the best hand, the pros will often advise, and let the cards fall where they may.
