Turning my hand into a bluff. Did I punt?
**Hero (1120):** TAG. My image at this table is solid but not overly tight.
**Villain (1200):** Weak-passive player in the BB. Seems uncomfortable facing aggression. Not particularly tricky.
**Blinds:** 5-10
**Preflop (Hero SB):**
Hero raises to 30 with **JcTh**, Villain calls.
*(I know this is a marginal raise pre, but I figure I have a skill edge over Villain. I wanted to push that edge preflop, even with a hand that doesn’t perform well out of position.)*
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**Flop (60):**
**Tc9d5h**
Hero bets 45, Villain calls.
*(I flop top pair with a decent kicker. I decide to bet for value against weaker Tx, 9x, or potential draws like 87 or QJ. Villain’s call keeps their range wide—likely Tx, 9x, and straight draws.)*
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**Turn (150):**
**Qc**
Hero checks, Villain bets 100, Hero raises to 320, Villain calls.
*(The Queen is a scary card for both of us, completing KJ and improving Qx hands in Villain’s range. It also brings a flush draw. I check to pot-control and assess Villain’s intentions. When they bet, I decide to represent a polarized range with a check-raise. My raise targets hands like Tx or weaker Qx while protecting against draws. Villain’s call narrows their range to strong Tx, Qx, or draws like KJ, 87.)*
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**River (790):**
**4c**
Hero goes all-in for 780, Villain tanks.
The 4c completes a possible flush, and I decide to turn my hand into a bluff. I shove to maximize fold equity, targeting Qx and Tx that Villain might have trouble calling off with. My line screams strength—straights, sets, or two-pair hands. I also have all the flushes.
Did I punt?
