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Message: [QUOTE="NewSetUp, post: 304155, member: 2707"] I like to push the action and make things happen. However, there is a position at the table that I am very hesitant to play aggressively. And that position is small blind, which is just to the left of the dealer. This position is very tough to play because you are first to act after the flop. I've found that playing aggressively from this position will only lead to trouble. Here's how. Let's say you're dealt a Q9 of diamonds and four of your opponents limp in to see the flop. You like your hand and already have half of your ante in the pot, so you also decide to also limp in. The flop hits Q,3,7 with no diamonds on the board. Now you are first to act with the top pair on board. Should you throw out a bet? I wouldn't! It can only lead to trouble because of your positioning. There are four other players that can act after you. They could be holding a number of hands that beat yours. If you throw out a bet and Drew is sitting on JQ, you are in big trouble. Why throw out a bet here? It doesn't make sense. Check and see what your opponents do. If everyone checks, then you may want to make a bet after the turn card. However, betting after the flop will only get you in trouble if there are numerous callers in the hand. Don't do it! Now let's say your holding that same Q9 and the flop hits Q,9,3. You've just flopped 2 pair. Once again, your first to act. Do you play this flop aggressively by making a bet? No again! It wouldn't make sense to. Here is how I would play this hand: Check the flop and let one of the other aggressive players make a stab at the pot. After Drew thows out a $20 bet, I'd simply call. The turn hits and its a 4, which I know didn't help Drew's hand. I check again as though my hand is weaker than it actually is. Drew's not falling for it. He checks right behind me. The river is another 4 and once again, I'm first to act. Now I can't check. If I check here I take the chance that Drew may not bet again, which means I make no more money on the hand. Instead, I throw out a $20 bet. I know Drew has to call this with even a very weak hand. He's pot committed and will pay the $20 to simply see my cards. As you can see, I really don't bet often in the small blind. If I do it is because I raised before the flop or have just one or two opponents in with me after the flop. In these siuations, it makes it a bit easier to bet. However, if I'm in the hand with multiple callers, I really don't see a reason to bet after the flop. If you play the small blind with caution, you will rake more pots and outplay your opponents all night long. [/QUOTE]

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