A♥9♥ BTN vs UTG, preflop, 100 bb
The spot
- You: BTN
- Opponent: UTG
- Your hand: A♥9♥
- Board: preflop, no board yet
- Effective stack: 100 bb
- Pot: 2.5 bb
UTG limps 1bb, MP/CO fold, BTN to act with A9s.
Best 6‑max BTN response to the UTG limp with A9s?
See the answer
Best play: Iso-raise to 5bb
Why
Principle: iso-raising limpers from late position captures fold equity preflop + skill-edge postflop. Applied to A9s vs UTG limp: dominates A2-A8 and weak suited kickers in the limp range, and the suit gives nut-flush upside. So: iso to 5bb — small sizing preserves the fold equity AND keeps the bottom of villain calling range in for postflop value.
Key idea
Iso-raise dominating hands like A9s against limpers from the button to take the initiative and play a bigger pot in position.