That said, I think checking is vastly superior to betting. With these stacks, Hero’s only viable options are to either check or go all-in.

The pot is $142 with $114 remaining in the stacks. The big blind called as well (which was also almost certainly a mistake, given he was against two likely premium ranges). Hero chose the only play I dislike, which was to call. Fortunately, limp/3-betting sticks out like a sore thumb, so Hero should have a decent idea of his opponent’s tendencies if he has played with him much at all. As you can see, being aware of your opponent’s tendencies is vitally important. While he will still lose his stack to A-A, K-K, and Q-Q, the opponent will be forced to fold numerous hands that have equity before the flop while also sidestepping difficult situations after the flop. However, if the opponent is known to limp/3-bet with all sorts of junk, Hero should instead go all-in. While he may be bluffing from time to time, against one of these players, the wise play is to simply fold because it is too likely that you are dominated by A-A, K-K, Q-Q, or A-K. If the opponent is a stereotypical $1/$3 player, you can be almost certain that he has a premium hand. The big blind called and the initial limper 3-bet to $46. The difference between raising to $16 and $22 may seem trivial, but there is a ton of long-term value to be had in making the pot a bit larger in position with what is often the best hand. While I am fine with raising the limpers purely for value, Hero should make it a bit larger, perhaps $22. Our Hero decided to raise to $16 with As-Qd from the button. In a $1/$3 no-limit hold’em cash game with $160 effective stacks, the players in first and second position at an eight-handed table limped. I was recently told about a hand from a recreational small stakes player that illustrates two detrimental mistakes many players make on a regular basis.

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