Top Pair vs an All-In and Call, what do you do?

AT vs an All-In and Call-optimizd.gif


DECISION POINT:
In a $1-2 Cash Game, you complete with A♠T♠ from the Small Blind and see the A♣4♦2♥ flop with 6 opponents. You lead out on the flop and UTG and Button call. On the 5♣ turn you check, UTG goes all-in, and the Button calls with chips behind. Action is back on you, what do you do here?

PRO ANSWER: Our decision to complete from the Small Blind with AT suited against so many limpers is a very reasonable one. Our hand plays well multiway and isn't quite strong enough to happily get it in preflop if UTG limp reraises all-in after we raise.

However, with this many opponents on the flop, we should check our top pair and attempt to put in as little money as possible postflop in the hopes of getting to a cheap showdown.

As played after we bet the flop, there are now two preflop limpers going to the turn with us in a 7 way limped pot. Both opponents have many wheel cards in their limping ranges and this particular board has so many combos of sets, two pair, and straights possible after the 5 hits.

Continued below...

Membership - Barks v2 300x250.png


The Button has so many 3x hands in their range (A3, 43, 23, 53) that check-folding the turn should be our default play with top pair. We should be putting UTG on a range of sets, straights, and possibly two pair. The Button's range is likely a straight and very occasionally a set. We are drawing essentially dead the vast majority of the time.

It's true that many opponents at low stakes will call with somewhat thin draws, but when nearly 3 times the pot goes in and gets called, their hands are relatively face up.

Folding is the best play.

What would you do here?
Share your answer in the comments below!


LearnWPT-Poker-Training

Think Like a Pro!

When we created LearnWPT.com our goal was to provide a place that empowers players to ask questions, help get them focused, and provide a solid game-plan to bring to the table every time they sit down.

Some of the ways we accomplish this is by:

  • Teaching and presenting examples of proven, winning concepts through our Strategy Episodes (short 10-15 minute instructional videos)
  • Providing a place where Members can send questions to receive answers and guidance with the Ask a Pro feature
  • Giving Members the ability to record, save, and send real hands they've played to receive expert analysis of their play using the Hand Input Tool

Not a Member? Click below to join and start improving your game today:


Posted on Tags