Anatomy Of A 7 Card Stud SNG

First of all, I want to thank Instant Tragedy for railing me during the $26k last night. I finshed in 140th place for a small amount of cash. I can't say I played my best poker. I got lucky in the spots that I picked (except for 2) and I played about as well as I could given the cards that I had. So, in 4 of these donkfests, I've cashed two, and would've cashed three if I didn't blow my stack in the second one. I'm confident that I can final table one of these, if not take it down completely, in just a matter of time.
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Anyways, I got a couple of responses from others interested in some 7 Card Stud strategy. I want to preface this by saying definitely take this with a grain of salt. I don't think strategy is the right word, because I'm sure some would argue that some of these plays don't make sense. But, nevertheless, I'm going to dissect my most recent 7 Card Stud victory for everyone to see. Wish me luck.


This first hand is an example of where I may have chased my hand too much, but I had a reason for doing it the whole time.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2532138422: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 50/100 Ante 10 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 20:57:08 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 1: bailey3 (1,297)
Seat 2: PUNKART (622)
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (1,559)
Seat 4: mclarich (1,853)
Seat 5: touty37 (2,113)
Seat 6: Cambo71 (1,647)
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat (1,262)
Seat 8: GMAN10465 (1,647)
bailey3 antes 10
PUNKART antes 10
MAINTGUY antes 10
mclarich antes 10
touty37 antes 10
Cambo71 antes 10
Jr Pokerbrat antes 10
GMAN10465 antes 10
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to bailey3 [Qh]
Dealt to PUNKART [Ks]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Jc]
Dealt to mclarich [2s 4c] [3c]
Dealt to touty37 [As]
Dealt to Cambo71 [6c]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ts]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [9s]
mclarich is low with [3c]
mclarich brings in for 15
touty37 calls 15
PUNKART calls 15
MAINTGUY calls 15
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [Ks] [Ac]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Jc] [2c]
Dealt to mclarich [2s 4c 3c] [3s]
Dealt to touty37 [As] [3d]
mclarich checks
touty37 bets 50
PUNKART calls 50
MAINTGUY calls 50
mclarich calls 50

So I check call this with just a pair of threes because I'm not convinced that I'm beat. Touty37 bets out when he gets a 3, and he can see that I've got threes as well. Unless someone is slowplaying a big pair, there's a chance I'm ahead with just 3s. Plus, I have some straight draws, and I'm getting odds to call.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [Ks Ac] [6d]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Jc 2c] [Ah]
Dealt to mclarich [2s 4c 3c 3s] [6s]
Dealt to touty37 [As 3d] [9d]
mclarich checks
touty37 checks
PUNKART checks
MAINTGUY bets 100
mclarich calls 100
touty37 folds
PUNKART calls 100

Another check call? The 6 is a good card for me, but I'm controlling pot size by check-calling. It gives me a gutshot or runner-runner for a flush. Plus, MAINYGUY decides to bet when the A hits? When two other Aces were showing? I'm not buying it, and I'm willing to see another card.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [Ks Ac 6d] [Kd]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Jc 2c Ah] [7d]
Dealt to mclarich [2s 4c 3c 3s 6s] [4d]
PUNKART bets 100
MAINTGUY calls 100
mclarich calls 100

PUNKART bets out with his pair of Kings showing, but I have to think that I'm still good here with my two pair, especially considering MAINTGUY doesn't reraise here.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [2s 4c 3c 3s 6s 4d] [5c]
PUNKART bets 100
MAINTGUY calls 100
mclarich raises to 200
PUNKART has 15 seconds left to act
PUNKART folds
MAINTGUY calls 100

Booyah! I'm sure I have the best hand here unless someone three bets me. The only thing that will beat me if is someone makes a full house on 7th st.

*** SHOW DOWN ***
mclarich shows [5c 4c 3c 3s 6s 4d 2s] (a straight, Six high)
MAINTGUY shows [Ad 7h Jc 2c Ah 7d 2h] (two pair, Aces and Sevens)

IMO, MAINTGUY plays this horribly the entire way. First, he calls with just A high, no straight or flush possibilities, then calls the bet on 4th st when two of his Aces are showing. He miraculously pairs his A on 5th, but when he makes two pair on 6th st, he doesn't reraise. Yes, I admit, I chased pretty much the whole way, but at no point was I convinced that I was that far behind, if at all, and I was getting odds to stay in the hand.


This next hand is an example of where I call a reraise on third street that I normally wouldn't call. I do this because one of the bettors is all in before 3rd st, so I know I'll be able to control the pot and not see any two or three bets.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2532212607: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 80/160 Ante 15 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:06:37 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 1: bailey3 (1,152)
Seat 2: PUNKART (589)
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (2,774)
Seat 4: mclarich (2,603)
Seat 5: touty37 (183)
Seat 6: Cambo71 (1,522)
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat (1,635)
Seat 8: GMAN10465 (1,542)
bailey3 antes 15
PUNKART antes 15
MAINTGUY antes 15
mclarich antes 15
touty37 antes 15
Cambo71 antes 15
Jr Pokerbrat antes 15
GMAN10465 antes 15
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to bailey3 [7c]
Dealt to PUNKART [6s]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Qd]
Dealt to mclarich [Ts 3c] [Tc]
Dealt to touty37 [Ac]
Dealt to Cambo71 [8s]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [5h]
GMAN10465 is low with [5h]
GMAN10465 brings in for 25
MAINTGUY calls 25
mclarich calls 25
touty37 completes it to 80
Jr Pokerbrat raises to 160
mclarich calls 135
touty37 raises to 168, and is all in
Jr Pokerbrat calls 8
mclarich calls 8

With a raise and a reraise in front of me, and the other two showing overcards, I'm usually more than willing to throw way a pair like TT, but like I mentioned above, since I'm going to be heads up from here on out, I'm willing to make the call.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Ts 3c Tc] [Th]
Dealt to touty37 [Ac] [Kc]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah] [Qh]
mclarich checks
Jr Pokerbrat bets 160
mclarich calls 160

I know I'm ahead here, so I'm going to give Jr Pokerbrat a chance to hang himself.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Ts 3c Tc Th] [3d]
Dealt to touty37 [Ac Kc] [Jc]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah Qh] [4h]
mclarich checks
Jr Pokerbrat bets 160
mclarich calls 160

I don't go for the two bet here because I don't want to risk a check-fold on 6th St.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Ts 3c Tc Th 3d] [Js]
Dealt to touty37 [Ac Kc Jc] [4s]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah Qh 4h] [Td]
mclarich checks
Jr Pokerbrat bets 160
mclarich raises to 320
Jr Pokerbrat calls 160

With one card to come, and the case T in his hand, I go for the checkraise here, hoping he might three bet it against me.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Ts 3c Tc Th 3d Js] [6h]
mclarich bets 160
Jr Pokerbrat calls 160

*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 4: mclarich showed [Ts 6h Tc Th 3d Js 3c] and won (2,274) with a full house, Tens full of Threes
Seat 5: touty37 mucked [9c 6c Ac Kc Jc 4s 2s] - a flush, Ace high
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat mucked [As Ks Ah Qh 4h Td Qc] - two pair, Aces and Queens

One thing I will admit is that I'm not always able to maximize my bets. I probably lost 1-2 bets on this hand. Although Pokerbrat's reraise on 3rd St should have signaled he had Aces, I lost sight of that during the hand, and probably could have milked a couple more bets out if I was paying attention.

Here's a hand where I get a little too aggressive against a shortstack and ultimately pay for it.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2532281621: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 100/200 Ante 15 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:15:12 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 1: bailey3 (1,495)
Seat 2: PUNKART (874)
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (3,394)
Seat 4: mclarich (3,689)
Seat 6: Cambo71 (797)
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat (504)
Seat 8: GMAN10465 (1,247)
bailey3 antes 15
PUNKART antes 15
MAINTGUY antes 15
mclarich antes 15
Cambo71 antes 15
Jr Pokerbrat antes 15
GMAN10465 antes 15
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to bailey3 [9d]
Dealt to PUNKART [3s]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [4c]
Dealt to mclarich [Th 8s] [Td]
Dealt to Cambo71 [6d]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [5d]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [Ks]
PUNKART is low with [3s]
PUNKART brings in for 30
mclarich completes it to 100
Jr Pokerbrat calls 100
GMAN10465 calls 100
PUNKART raises to 200
mclarich raises to 300
Jr Pokerbrat folds
GMAN10465 calls 200
PUNKART raises to 400
mclarich calls 100
GMAN10465 calls 100

I came with the threebet for two reasons. One, I was hoping to isolate the shortstack and go heads up. Two, he pulls the sneaky reraise after the bring in, and I'm curious to know where I'm at. It looks like I'm pretty far behind.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [3s] [2h]
Dealt to mclarich [Th 8s Td] [9h]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [Ks] [Js]
GMAN10465 checks
PUNKART bets 100
mclarich calls 100
GMAN10465 calls 100

The 9 gives me some potential straight draw possibilities, but more importantly, I'm getting odds to call.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [3s 2h] [Kd]
Dealt to mclarich [Th 8s Td 9h] [4s]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [Ks Js] [Jh]
GMAN10465 bets 200
PUNKART calls 200
mclarich calls 200

GMAN leads out when the J hits. This is the point where I should have folded. I think I kept calling because of the pot odds, but I should have thrown this away and saved a bet or two.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [3s 2h Kd] [7s]
Dealt to mclarich [Th 8s Td 9h 4s] [Qs]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [Ks Js Jh] [7d]
GMAN10465 bets 200
PUNKART calls 159, and is all in
mclarich calls 200

Again, can't throw away a chance at a 3k pot for 200. I made my bed, I'll lie in it.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Th 8s Td 9h 4s Qs] [Qh]
GMAN10465 checks
mclarich checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
GMAN10465 shows [As Kh Ks Js Jh 7d Qc] (two pair, Kings and Jacks)
mclarich mucks
GMAN10465 wins the side pot (82) with two pair, Kings and Jacks
PUNKART shows [Ah Ac 3s 2h Kd 7s 3h] (two pair, Aces and Threes)
PUNKART wins the main pot (2,782) with two pair, Aces and Threes
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2,864 Main pot 2,782. Side pot 82. | Rake 0
Seat 2: PUNKART showed [Ah Ac 3s 2h Kd 7s 3h] and won (2,782) with two pair, Aces and Threes
Seat 4: mclarich mucked [Qh Th Td 9h 4s Qs 8s] - two pair, Queens and Tens
Seat 8: GMAN10465 showed [As Kh Ks Js Jh 7d Qc] and won (82) with two pair, Kings and Jacks

Sometimes I try to be too aggressive and it comes back to bite me. But, I have no problem showing my mistakes, so there ya go. In fact, this hand sets up the next one nicely:



Full Tilt Poker Game #2532333459: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 120/240 Ante 20 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:21:38 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 1: bailey3 (1,321)
Seat 2: PUNKART (3,612)
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (3,114)
Seat 4: mclarich (2,499)
Seat 6: Cambo71 (607)
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat (648)
Seat 8: GMAN10465 (199)
bailey3 antes 20
PUNKART antes 20
MAINTGUY antes 20
mclarich antes 20
Cambo71 antes 20
Jr Pokerbrat antes 20
GMAN10465 antes 20
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to bailey3 [6c]
Dealt to PUNKART [Qc]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6h]
Dealt to mclarich [7s 5c] [5h]
Dealt to Cambo71 [4h]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [4s]
Cambo71 is low with [4h]
Cambo71 brings in for 40
Jr Pokerbrat calls 40
GMAN10465 folds
bailey3 folds
PUNKART calls 40
MAINTGUY folds
mclarich calls 40

If no one is going to complete, I will always call with any pair.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to PUNKART [Qc] [5s]
Dealt to mclarich [7s 5c 5h] [6s]
Dealt to Cambo71 [4h] [8c]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [Ah] [9d]
Jr Pokerbrat checks
PUNKART checks
mclarich checks
Cambo71 bets 120
Jr Pokerbrat folds
PUNKART folds
mclarich calls 120

I'm not convinced that my 5s are behind, plus I pick up some straight possibilites.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [7s 5c 5h 6s] [9c]
Dealt to Cambo71 [4h 8c] [7c]
mclarich checks
Cambo71 bets 240
mclarich calls 240

So now I'm a little worried. The second bet means I'm probably behind, and maybe even up against someone with a pair of 8s. Because he completed, I really don't know where I stand against this guy. At the same time, he may just be on some kind of draw himself. I pick up another card for my straight possibilities.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [7s 5c 5h 6s 9c] [5d]
Dealt to Cambo71 [4h 8c 7c] [Kh]
mclarich checks
Cambo71 bets 187, and is all in
mclarich calls 187
Cambo71 shows [Qs Qh 4h 8c 7c Kh]
mclarich shows [7s 5c 5h 6s 9c 5d]

So it looks like I was behind the whole time after all. In this guys position, I'm not just bringing in, I'm completing. He probably has the best hand prior to 4th St, and with only one A showing on third street, there's no guarantee he'll get a chance to repop. Plus, he's shortstacked, and in his position, I'd rather win a small pot than get 3-4 people involved with drawing hands.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [7s 5c 5h 6s 9c 5d] [Jd]
Dealt to Cambo71 [Qs Qh 4h 8c 7c Kh] [9s]
Cambo71 shows [Qs Qh 4h 8c 7c Kh 9s] (a pair of Queens)
mclarich shows [7s 5c 5h 6s 9c 5d Jd] (three of a kind, Fives)
mclarich wins the pot (1,394) with three of a kind, Fives
Cambo71 stands up

In fact, a couple of hands later, I'm in his same position:


Full Tilt Poker Game #2532355260: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 150/300 Ante 25 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:24:22 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 1: bailey3 (3,056)
Seat 2: PUNKART (2,257)
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (2,699)
Seat 4: mclarich (3,191)
Seat 7: Jr Pokerbrat (503)
Seat 8: GMAN10465 (294)
bailey3 antes 25
PUNKART antes 25
MAINTGUY antes 25
mclarich antes 25
Jr Pokerbrat antes 25
GMAN10465 antes 25
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to bailey3 [Th]
Dealt to PUNKART [Ts]
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6d]
Dealt to mclarich [Qh Qc] [2h]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [6h]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [7d]
mclarich is low with [2h]
mclarich brings in for 50
Jr Pokerbrat calls 50
PUNKART: nh
GMAN10465 calls 50
bailey3 folds
PUNKART folds
MAINTGUY calls 50

Now, why do I criticize the other guy for limping, but do it myself? One, I've got the stack to do it. Two, I have an easier time getting away from big pairs if I'm pretty sure I'm behind.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6d] [Kh]
Dealt to mclarich [Qh Qc 2h] [2s]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [6h] [Jc]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [7d] [4s]
mclarich checks
Jr Pokerbrat checks
GMAN10465 checks
MAINTGUY checks

With a pretty well concealed two pair, and without any scary hands showing, I'm ok with checking and trying to induce a bet from someone.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6d Kh] [6c]
Dealt to mclarich [Qh Qc 2h 2s] [8c]
Dealt to Jr Pokerbrat [6h Jc] [Kd]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [7d 4s] [5s]
MAINTGUY bets 300
mclarich calls 300
Jr Pokerbrat folds
GMAN10465 calls 219, and is all in

MAINTGUY pairs his 6s and takes a stab at the pot. I still think I'm pretty far ahead of anyone. GMAN may be on a big draw, but with his low stack, there's nothing more I can do about him. I might have been able to two bet it here, but I'm willing to wait one more hand for that.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6d Kh 6c] [Tc]
Dealt to mclarich [Qh Qc 2h 2s 8c] [Js]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [7d 4s 5s] [Qd]
MAINTGUY checks
mclarich bets 300
MAINTGUY folds
mclarich shows [Qh Qc 2h 2s 8c Js]
GMAN10465 shows [7h As 7d 4s 5s Qd]
Uncalled bet of 300 returned to mclarich

I bet out here because this I won't be as sure on 7th St that I'm ahead. MAINTGUY realizes his 6s are no good and folds.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Qh Qc 2h 2s 8c Js] [9h]
Dealt to GMAN10465 [7h As 7d 4s 5s Qd] [Jd]
mclarich wins the side pot (162)
mclarich shows [Qh Qc 2h 2s 8c Js 9h] (two pair, Queens and Twos)
GMAN10465 shows [7h As 7d 4s 5s Qd Jd] (a pair of Sevens)
mclarich wins the main pot (1,007) with two pair, Queens and Twos
GMAN10465 stands up



Fast forward to two handed play. I must have donked it up some, because I lose some of my stack. MAINTGUY, on the other hand, has run into some big hands and takes out the other two players. I've got a huge defecit to overcome, and I start with this hand.


Full Tilt Poker Game #2532598428: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 400/800 Ante 75 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:53:33 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (9,145)
Seat 4: mclarich (2,855)
MAINTGUY antes 75
mclarich antes 75
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ad]
Dealt to mclarich [Jh Qd] [Qh]
mclarich is low with [Qh]
mclarich brings in for 100
PUNKART (Observer): gg
MAINTGUY calls 100

Not to be hypocritical, but the difference in my limping here is that A) unless he's got an A underneath or KK, I'm very much ahead and B) I need to give this guy a chance to catch up if I'm going to make a comeback.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ad] [8h]
Dealt to mclarich [Jh Qd Qh] [3c]
MAINTGUY bets 400
mclarich calls 400

Still being deceptive. He could have paired his 8, he could be betting with air.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ad 8h] [8c]
Dealt to mclarich [Jh Qd Qh 3c] [2s]
MAINTGUY bets 800
mclarich has 15 seconds left to act
mclarich calls 800

I don't like that second 8, and based on the way he's played before, I very well could be up against trips or two pair. But, there's also a good chance my Queens are still ahead. At this point, it's all or nothing, but I'm going to give him a chance to put me all in.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ad 8h 8c] [6s]
Dealt to mclarich [Jh Qd Qh 3c 2s] [7c]
MAINTGUY bets 800
mclarich raises to 1,480, and is all in
MAINTGUY calls 680
mclarich shows [Jh Qd Qh 3c 2s 7c]
MAINTGUY shows [3d 7h Ad 8h 8c 6s]

Sure enough, he had nothing but A high until 5th St. When I call on 4th St with nothing but a Q and a 3 unsuited showing, he should have been cautious, even when he pairs hit 8.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [3d 7h Ad 8h 8c 6s] [8d]
Dealt to mclarich [Jh Qd Qh 3c 2s 7c] [Qc]
mclarich shows [Jh Qd Qh 3c 2s 7c Qc] (three of a kind, Queens)
MAINTGUY shows [3d 7h Ad 8h 8c 6s 8d] (three of a kind, Eights)
mclarich wins the pot (5,710) with three of a kind, Queens

Good thing we BOTH tripped up on 7th St, or I would've been on mega tilt. I think there's an argument to be made about reraising to find out just where I'm at, but I went with a read that he had nothing and tried to give myself the best opportunity to double up.

So now, I finally get Aces. Again, I could complete and take the pot down now, or play it out and see what happens. Note: I don't always slow play my pairs, even big ones heads up. It's definitely important to mix it up.


Full Tilt Poker Game #2532625037: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 500/1000 Ante 100 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:56:40 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (7,765)
Seat 4: mclarich (4,235)
MAINTGUY antes 100
mclarich antes 100
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ts]
Dealt to mclarich [5h As] [Ac]
MAINTGUY is low with [Ts]
MAINTGUY brings in for 150
mclarich calls 150

He probably can't suspect that I have Aces, so let's see what happens.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ts] [9c]
Dealt to mclarich [5h As Ac] [Qh]
mclarich checks
MAINTGUY checks

When the 9 hits, it could possibly give him some draws, but I check to maintain the image that I have nothing.

*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ts 9c] [3h]
Dealt to mclarich [5h As Ac Qh] [7h]
mclarich checks
MAINTGUY checks

More deception. At best, the 3 pairs him up but he's still way behind.

*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Ts 9c 3h] [8s]
Dealt to mclarich [5h As Ac Qh 7h] [Jd]
mclarich bets 1,000
MAINTGUY calls 1,000

My last chance to get some chips. With T98 showing, he could have a decent draw. Even if I make two pair or trips, I won't be able to bet 7th st. He just calls, leading me to believe he's on a draw.

*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [5h As Ac Qh 7h Jd] [3d]
mclarich checks
MAINTGUY checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 3: MAINTGUY mucked [Ah Js Ts 9c 3h 8s 6s] - Ace Jack high
Seat 4: mclarich showed [As 5h Ac Qh 7h Jd 3d] and won (2,500) with a pair of Aces


On this hand, I elect to go for a two bet when I normally wouldn't, only because we are heads up and I've got a semi made hand.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2532652642: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 500/1000 Ante 100 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 21:59:54 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (5,315)
Seat 4: mclarich (6,685)
MAINTGUY antes 100
mclarich antes 100
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6s]
Dealt to mclarich [8c 9s] [Ts]
MAINTGUY is low with [6s]
MAINTGUY brings in for 150
mclarich calls 150

My rule for calling with drawing hands is simple. If I'm going for a flush, I either have to have three of the suit, or if I have two, I have to at least be paired. Only having two to the flush by 3rd St will probably make your chase very expensive. If I'm chasing a straight, then I either have to be open ended, like in this case, or a one gapper with some high cards (AKJ, JT8, etc.)

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6s] [Ah]
Dealt to mclarich [8c 9s Ts] [8s]
MAINTGUY bets 500
mclarich raises to 1,000
MAINTGUY folds
Uncalled bet of 500 returned to mclarich
mclarich mucks
mclarich wins the pot (1,500)

So I come with the two bet here because, not only am I paired with some monster draws, but I'm also relatively vulnerable. At a full table, I'd just call, but based on this guy's previous play, I have every reason to believe I have the best hand.


Here's an example of a slowplay that was probably misplayed, but at the time my justification made sense. I'll let you be the judge.


Full Tilt Poker Game #2532679486: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 600/1200 Ante 100 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 22:03:01 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (5,880)
Seat 4: mclarich (6,120)
MAINTGUY antes 100
mclarich antes 100
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [3s]
Dealt to mclarich [Ad 2h] [As]
MAINTGUY is low with [3s]
MAINTGUY brings in for 200
mclarich calls 200

Again, the reason why I'll slowplay my big pairs yet criticize my opponent for doing the same is this: I can get away from my pairs when I think I'm beat, yet I don't think this guy can. Simply put, he doesn't know HOW to slowplay his pairs. However, I will admit that at somepoint in this hand, I should have reraised to find out where I'm at.

*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [3s] [6c]
Dealt to mclarich [Ad 2h As] [3c]
mclarich checks
MAINTGUY checks
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [3s 6c] [6s]
Dealt to mclarich [Ad 2h As 3c] [Qd]
MAINTGUY bets 1,200
mclarich calls 1,200
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [3s 6c 6s] [7d]
Dealt to mclarich [Ad 2h As 3c Qd] [Kh]
MAINTGUY bets 1,200
mclarich calls 1,200
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to mclarich [Ad 2h As 3c Qd Kh] [9s]
MAINTGUY bets 1,200
mclarich calls 1,200
*** SHOW DOWN ***
MAINTGUY shows [9h 4d 3s 6c 6s 7d 2s] (a pair of Sixes)
mclarich shows [Ad 9s As 3c Qd Kh 2h] (a pair of Aces)
mclarich wins the pot (7,800) with a pair of Aces

This is not my proudest moment. However, my rationale behind the weak calls is this: 1. I'm not folding my Aces at any point, even on 7th St. 2. At the time, I thought this was the best way to extract more chips, as he's shown a tendency to fold to my reraises. Did I play this right? Admittedly, no. But he also played this horribly by betting out on every street with nothing but a pair of 6s, especially when he's seen me slowplay a big pair on him on at least two occasions.


At this point he's pretty well shortstacked, yet he finds an odd hand to take a stand with:

Full Tilt Poker Game #2532759584: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (19136651), Table 1 - 800/1600 Ante 150 - Limit Seven Card Stud - 22:12:20 ET - 2007/05/28
Seat 3: MAINTGUY (1,860)
Seat 4: mclarich (10,140)
MAINTGUY antes 150
mclarich antes 150
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6h]
Dealt to mclarich [Qd Ks] [7c]
MAINTGUY is low with [6h]
MAINTGUY brings in for 250
mclarich calls 250
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [6h] [2h]
Dealt to mclarich [Qd Ks 7c] [Kc]
mclarich checks
MAINTGUY bets 800
mclarich raises to 1,600
MAINTGUY calls 660, and is all in
mclarich shows [Qd Ks 7c Kc]
MAINTGUY shows [Kh Td 6h 2h]
Uncalled bet of 140 returned to mclarich
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Kh Td 6h 2h] [6d]
Dealt to mclarich [Qd Ks 7c Kc] [2d]
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Kh Td 6h 2h 6d] [4s]
Dealt to mclarich [Qd Ks 7c Kc 2d] [Qs]
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to MAINTGUY [Kh Td 6h 2h 6d 4s] [9c]
Dealt to mclarich [Qd Ks 7c Kc 2d Qs] [5s]
mclarich shows [Qd Ks 7c Kc 2d Qs 5s] (two pair, Kings and Queens)
MAINTGUY shows [Kh Td 6h 2h 6d 4s 9c] (a pair of Sixes)
mclarich wins the pot (3,720) with two pair, Kings and Queens

He must have decided to give up, because I can't understand betting out with a 6 and a 2 showing against a K7. I expected to see at least a pair of twos there.

So it's not much of a strategy post as it is more of an SNG analysis. I like to think that I'm good at Stud, but it may also be that I'm just not as bad as those that I play. Maybe at some point I'll try to make a post that's more strategy based, but for now, I'd love to hear some feedback from anyone (that is, if you've made it this far).