Decision Point: In a Cash Game, it folds to you in the Cutoff with A♣Q♥ and you raise. The Button folds, the Small Blind calls, and the Big Blind folds. The Flop comes Q♠8♥3♣. The Small Blind checks, and you bet. The Small Blind calls. The Turn is the 10♦. The Small Blind checks. Action is on you, what do you do here?

Pro Answer: In this hand, we raised preflop and got one caller from the Small Blind. We made a continuation bet with top pair, top kicker and were called by our single opponent. On the turn, they check to us. Should we bet or check behind?

Given that our opponent check-called on a dry flop, draws are not a part of their range. Hands that contain a Q (such as KQ, QJ) are a large portion of their range, especially given that they called from the SB versus our late position raise. A smaller portion of their range consists of sets, two pair (QT) and occasionally pocket pairs.

Overall, betting on the turn with the intention of checking behind on the river when your opponent checks will be a profitable line.

This particular turn card gives QJ a gutshot straight draw, which somewhat reduces the overall profitability of checking behind on the turn. Had the turn been a brick, such as a 2 or 4, checking behind on the turn with the intention of value betting the river would be a good line to take.

Given our opponent’s range, we should bet the turn. Assuming they call and check to us on the river, we should check on most river cards as well.

Betting is the best play.