K♦Q♦ SB vs BTN, turn on J♣ 8♦ 5♠ Q♠, 95 bb
The spot
- You: SB
- Opponent: BTN
- Your hand: K♦Q♦
- Board: J♣ 8♦ 5♠ Q♠
- Effective stack: 95 bb
- Pot: 11.5 bb
Turn card shifts nut advantage and action returns to hero.
Best turn pressure line?
See the answer
Best play: Raise
Why
The Q♠ turn on J♣8♦5♠ is a great card for hero: K♦Q♦ now has top pair (queens) with the best kicker, K, plus a backdoor diamond draw. The Q is more likely to help the OOP caller's range than the BTN's wide IP betting range, giving you a strong made hand you want to grow. Out of position you check‑raise the BTN's turn bet for value: you charge worse Q-x, J-x and draws, build a pot while ahead, and avoid getting only one street by check-calling. Raising here maximizes value against an in-position bettor who will continue with many worse hands.
Key idea
When the turn gives OOP top pair top kicker, check‑raise for value to build the pot while ahead.
Common mistake
Only check-calling top-pair-top-kicker here leaves value behind by giving the IP bettor a cheap turn.