Three of a kind on the flop...what now?

Lex

I've done a quick check and it appears the odds are 424-1 (0.24%).
The flop has fallen like this for me about half a dozen times in the last 2 weeks and each time I not sure how to handle it.

I know its prob not even worth asking as the odds suggest it wont happen again for ages but anyway this has been bugging me...

If there has been a pre-flop raiser, he/I will usually follow through with a bet on the flop which will be respected.
But what's the play when there is 3 limpers involved (including myself) and the flop comes low/mid 3 of a kind and ur holding two over-cards (e.g. KQ, A9 etc) when:

1. I'm in early/mid-position and the button makes what looks like a weak/feeler bet.
2. I'm on the button and its check around to me.

Do I play my overcards hopin to catch/play high cards or just carry on letting these flops go to potential pocket pairs/4 of a kind?

padser

1) Get out with KQ (even a weak hand at this stage probably beats KQ). The only exception would be if you think going over the top would induce a fold (there are 4 BB plus small bet to be won?). This would cost you i assume 2/3 BB?
2) Check, Bet 1/2 the pot if you feel there is a good chance of folding around. Just dont get too attached to your hand.


With 3 of a kind on the flop Id def let KQ go. (you dont even have top kicker here). Id let Ax go pretty quickly as well, To almost any bet, the only eception would be if there was heavy pre flop betting (and a small post flop raise) but then you wouldnt still be there with KQ or A9.

Id want to hold onto AA-99. But you obviosuly need to be vary. Id be most vary of someone checking and calling. It depends on the game and the players but i think the majority of players would check the quads if the flop has 3 of a kind. There is almost no danger and at this stage you will only get serious action from a hig pair. Give someone a chance to hit something and pay you off. Its one of the few situations where there is almost no danger in giving one or even 2 free cards.

The Troll

If you're holding KQ and you dont think someone has hit quads(or has AA/KK/QQ) then there is a case for calling. If K/x comes on the turn/river then you *probably* have the best hand. Use pot odds.

Ste05

Without a decent A or pocket pair, I'm not going over board with this hand, as Troll states, alot of my play would be pot odds based, but I'm not calling any bet unless I'm getting very nice odds, I'm either on a 6 outer, or am drawing dead....

If I'm on the button and it's checked around to me I might try a bet of between half and full pot to win the hand now, the only hands that can really call this bet are the quads, or a pocket pair, but alot of this would depend on the type of players I'm up against

Lex

padser wrote:

but then you wouldnt still be there with KQ or A9.

Fact!
I'm happy to let most hands go in this situation but its just happened so many times lately that it was getting to me.

Lafortezza

I'd keep the pot small in these kinds of situations. The only guy who'll be willing to put all his chips in the middle on a 444 board is a guy with a 4 or AA or KK.

Ste05

lafortezza wrote:

I'd keep the pot small in these kinds of situations. The only guy who'll be willing to put all his chips in the middle on a 444 board is a guy with a 4 or AA or KK.

therefore, it is a perfect stealing opportunity....

Lafortezza

Ste05 wrote:

therefore, it is a perfect stealing opportunity....

And if you meet strong resistance?

Ste05

If you meet any resistence, you let it go....

Lex

Ste05 wrote:

therefore, it is a perfect stealing opportunity....

That was my thinking (but holding the overcards as outs). Mid-Late in an MTT where its worth nicking those blinds.
Early on its just not worth the bother...
If you meet resistance you know where you stand, can get out and let everyone know that you have removed your hand from the cookie jar and play can continue....

padser

Yeah i dont mind a stealing bet with a flop like that....id just be very reluctant to call any kind of bet with anything less then say QQ. Maybe JJ (but then im a tad loose sometimes )