Bullies counting on you to be conservative
The Mid-States Poker Tour’s stop at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., in late February attracted 491 entries, including recreational players Greg Stoker and Darren Peasley. The two of them played perhaps the most entertaining hand of the tournament, one that illustrated what you should, and sometimes must, do when dealing with an aggressive player.
It happened in the penultimate level of Day 1B, with the blinds at 1,0002,000 plus an ante of 200. Action folded to Stoker, who was sitting with roughly 170,000 in chips. He limped in from the small blind with Ad Qc.
Why not raise with such a strong hand? No doubt it was because Peasley, the chip leader with a stack of around 250,000, was in the big blind. Peasley had been having a blast throughout the day, playing an ultra-aggressive style and thoroughly enjoying himself. He was betting and raising whenever he had the chance.
By limping, Stoker disguised the strength of his hand and was presumably hoping Peasley would raise so that he could pop him. Staying true to form, Peasley played aggressively with a raise to 12,000 while holding Ks Jd.
That opened the door for Stoker to three-bet to 40,000. However, he clearly didn’t expect what happened next.
“All in,” Peasley announced.
This wasn’t an easy spot for Stoker, who still had 130,000 remaining after his three-bet. If he folded, he’d still have a healthy stack heading into Day 2. Then again, did he want to waste a quality hand and continue to allow Peasley to run over the table?
Remember: When con- tending with overly aggressive players, you can’t play too conservatively. In fact, that’s what they’re hoping for. If you play too tight or are always acting meekly, you’re playing right into their game plan. Failing to play back at table bullies by making a stand is among the biggest mistakes amateur players can make.
Stoker had a strong hand, but it wasn’t great. He would be behind aceking or any pocket pair. While Peasley would certainly play those hands, he had also shown his willingness to mix it up with much weaker holdings. And even if Peasley had woken up with a pocket pair, chances are it would be racing against acequeen.
Stoker took a stand by making the call.
He was a 62.6 percent favorite to win the hand, but Peasley was drawing to two live cards, meaning he had a 36.7 percent chance of coming out on top. Calling was a risky move, but fortunately for Stoker, the board ran out 10c 7c 3h Ac Ah to give him the big double.
The bully was cut down to size, and Stoker went on to bag the Day 1B chip lead. He ultimately finished in 21st place for a prize of $4,320, while Peasley made it to Day 2 but failed to cash.