2/5: Short stack dilemma with 99 preflop
Game is 2/5. I just sat down at the table.
I have $500 effective and I’m on the button with 99.
UTG straddle $10, MP ($3k, MAWG) opens to $50, folds to me. Everyone else has similar stacks. I tanked for a bit and wasn’t sure what the best line was.
Options:
• Flat call and try to set mine?
• 3-bet to ~$150 and apply pressure?
• Is folding ever reasonable here?
My concern with calling is that 99 plays awkwardly postflop in such a low SPR, especially in a multiway pot if one of the blinds comes along. But 3-betting commits almost 1/3 of my stack, and I wasn’t sure I’d love a 4-bet or flop action when I miss.
What’s the best play here with 99 on the button?
6 Replies
150 is too big when stacks aren't that deep.
125 seems ok. If you had bigger stacks 150 is ok. 125 here is already 1/4 of your stack, if you get 4bet jammed on, you can still think about folding.
Flat calling is ok as well.
Folding is never ok. Calling and 3betting are profitable plays on the Btn.
You can treat this as 50bb shortstack.
As for low spr, it means you have less fold equity with 1 pair hands.
So either get used to the straddle and treat it as shortstack or buy in deeper to feel more comfortable.
I would flat call. If you make it 125, you are pretty much never getting the raiser to fold and you don't know what to do if 4!. Making it 125 would be good with QQ+ and some hands that are clear folds to a 4!.
If someone else calls, you get better odds for your set and maybe position 3 or 4 ways. You are not just playing for a set and postflop may be tricky, but the hand has value unimproved. If you get 3!, there is also a decision, and maybe an opportunity to shove over a call or maybe fold, depending on reads.
If there was a raise and two or more callers, then you might shove this hand or call and play mostly for a set, depending on how likely you thought someone had a bigger pp.
You are also allowed to call and then play postflop without a set too, if you get a good flop even without a 9.
How're you interpreting V's large, 5x open from MP? In my pool, that's either some Axo bluff, or an I-really-don't-want-to-play-it medium PP, like 99 lol. In which case a 3! to 150 (still only 30%) lets them fold with dignity and saves us the inevitable guessing game of, "Did that specific overcard give them a pair?" 125, IMO, gets too many calls, or God forbid, makes them think a shove is now a good idea.
We can always call IP, ofc. Not folding.
Just jam and start that shortstack asshat dynamic
Don't jam vs a 5x open or 3bet. Standard call. Honestly if you aren't sure what to do in this spot you need to be studying more. Very easy call.
