A♥7♥ CO vs BB, flop on J♠ 7♠ 4♣, 95 bb
The spot
- You: CO
- Opponent: BB
- Your hand: A♥7♥
- Board: J♠ 7♠ 4♣
- Effective stack: 95 bb
- Pot: 8.5 bb
Single-raised pot, hero is in position after raising preflop.
What sizing is best in baseline strategy?
See the answer
Best play: Check back
Why
Flop, single-raised pot, hero in position as the CO raiser versus the BB on J(s) 7(s) 4(c). A(h)7(h) makes second pair (a pair of sevens) with an ace kicker and a backdoor heart draw. This medium-strength hand has decent showdown value but does not want to get raised off it, so checking back is fine: it controls the pot, realizes equity in position, and keeps villain's bluffs and weaker pairs in on later streets.
Key idea
Medium pairs with showdown value can check back in position to control the pot and capture bluffs later.
Common mistake
Betting second pair for protection and getting check‑raised off a hand that prefers cheap showdown.