This hand upset me more because I decided to play a marginal hand on the button than anything else.

The other thing is that he showed the bluff which I think was un-cool.

On the other hand, I do not see how I can call a $60 bet here with this hand. He checked raised me which often means that the had nothing.

Usually in NL they want you to fold when you are CR.

I just wish a diamond fell. There are too many hands that can beat me here. $60 to win $82.

Any advice?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $4 BB (8 handed)

MP2 ($209.10)
CO ($623.30)
Hero ($722.65)
SB ($415)
BB ($394.20)
UTG ($292)
UTG+1 ($429.70)
MP1 ($529.90)

Preflop: Hero is Button with , .
5 folds, Hero raises to $12, 1 fold, BB calls $8.

Flop: ($26) , , (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $12, BB raises to $28, Hero calls $16.

Turn: ($82) (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks.

River: ($82) (2 players)
BB bets $60, Hero folds.

Final Pot: $142

Results:
BB .
Outcome: BB wins $142.

You say the other guy bluffed you. I disagree a bit. He simply responded to your weakness.

If you are going to try to steal the pot on the flop (and you have a nice draw with position), you'd better bet AT LEAST 3/4 of the pot and preferrably the pot. My guess is he smelled your weakness at your less than 50% pot bet and check raised you.

On the turn, the J pairs and the BB just checks. The way you played it, you have to bet this turn (i.e., BTP) to know where you stand. Also, he checked (showing weakness--why would he CR and then check??) and I would have BTP here. That 2nd jack would have convinced him you had top pair. If he had played back at you, you're done.

Flop--BTP

TR

Nice analysis TR - I am new at NL - 3 months (3 years limit) so I am still learning. His check on the Turn was a give away as you said.

My bet on the flop was on the low side. On the turn I was thinking of my draw and not a streal and did not bet it. My bad there. When I missed my diamond on the river, well that was it.

Too much limit and not enough no-limit.

Thanks

You raised preflop. They expect you to bet the flop (3/4 pot to full pot usually). This is about the best flop you could ask for with A8. Bet the pot!

I have to disagree with what a check raise means. It usually means alot of strength.....but a check raise followed by a turn check is almost always a bluff. Bet the turn.

Thanks