Calling a semi-bluff

Low limit live cash game

Last night I played some $1/$1 NL cash game with a max buy in of $150 and a min. buy in of $40. Everyone bought in for at least $80, and the game was surprisingly decent for a cash game and not a lot of insane raising. Most live cash games will require you to pay 10BB to see a standard flop after one raise. This game was playing decently tight for the first 2 rounds I sat in for, and I decided to take advantage.

Playing the amateur

3 people limp in front of me, and I look down at 9 10 offsuit. I decide to steal this pot and raise to $7. I expect either A) to win $5 in blinds or B) have 1 caller and win after the flop. The blinds fold, but the first limper called, and I was very unfamiliar with his play. He seemed pretty tight, and not very tricky, so I knew I was in good shape. The other two limpers thought for awhile but folded.

Flop: 9 8 3 (1 heart)

My opponent checks to me. This was a very good board for me, especially since I was going to bet this no matter what hit. I knew before the board even fell that I was betting $15 which was an almost full sized pot bet with the pot at $18. To my surprise my opponent called. I thought he could have a set of 3s or maybe pocket 10s, but I still felt that I was good.

Turn: King (heart)

My opponent very quickly bet $30. The king sure seems threatening, but I wondered what my opponent would call a preflop raise with and then check call the flop and bet out on the turn. A flopped set sure seemed to make sense. In fact I was very close to mucking my hand because this is actually a very standard way to play a flopped set. I then studied my opponent very carefully before acting. He refused to look at me and just stared at the table without flinching. He seemed very nervous and looked like he wanted to go home. He wasn't saying a word, I just knew he didn't have a set, and was calling the flop to bluff the turn.

With this read if he called the flop with KQ which is very possible, he will fold on the turn if I go over the top. He will have to put me on at worst AA. It seemed like a standard play. There was $68 in the pot before I even acted and with $90 total it could be a great steal for me with $60 ontop. Sure my opponent will be getting better than 2 to 1 to call, but its a cash game, and no one wants to lose their buy in on good odds. $60 is a lot and KQ seems like an easy fold. I go with my read of the player as weak and not with my read on his actions for a flopped set.

I push all in, he insta calls, and I really am ashamed of my hand and don't want to flip my pathetic 10 9 over. He then SLAMS down Q 10 of hearts for a gutshot straight draw and a flush draw with a gutshot straight flush draw. His 10 is dead, but can also win with a queen. I am still a 2 to 1 favorite, and am really questioning his auto call, and frankly the whole play on his part. The river bricks out and he leaves. The rest of the table told me he is a huge DONKEY that busts out in their cash game every week, or wins a huge pot and then donates it all back.

Poker Quiz

You are playing a $1/$2 NL cash game. The board reads K Q 7 2 all rainbow. You hold J 10. Your opponent bets $20 into a pot of $90. He is a very tight player, and you know he has at least a K, but will not fold if you push. Which of the following is the correct play, and explain your reason (you both have $150 not in this hand)?

A) Call in hopes of hitting the river
B) Fold, to save your money
C) Semi-bluff and inflate the pot which can also steal the pot

I will give my explaination later.