Playing Ace-Jack on a Multi-Way Flop
DECISION POINT: In a no-limit hold'em tournament, a middle position player raises and the hijack calls. You reraise from the button with A♣J♦, and the big blind, middle position player, and hijack all call. The flop comes 9♣10♥4♠, and it is checked around to you.
PRO ANSWER: After three-betting preflop on the button, we were called by three opponents, including a cold-call from the big blind.
As a default, firing a continuation bet as a bluff against three opponents will not show a long term profit. Each additional opponent on the flop increases the likelihood of our c-bet getting called or raised.
In addition, this type of flop texture favors the callers in the hand rather than the three-bettor. The hand ranges of our opponents include many more hands that connect in any way with this board, as well as the majority of hands that connect very strongly with this board.
Our range does not connect as well with this flop. This range disadvantage makes c-betting even worse than usual against three opponents.
Our best option is to check behind on the flop and often fold to a standard bet on most turn cards.
Checking is the best play.
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