$30 GG Final table pocket rockets

Preflop excellent sizing and 3-bet OTB. A call and it can be 4 way. Though if SB or BB are squeezing a lot a call could be great as you would be jamming preflop and likely be all in HU (if they called your jam).

Flop sizing is also excellent. You can have anything including AK/AQ/2 hearts like AXs. And a turn jam will look polarizing (sort of because here it will only be 60% pot which could be strong and not so polarizing)

Turn I like a lot. If they have a flush so be it. If they have a flush draw and a pair they will often call with like 30% chance of winning. Especially with AXs flush draw which we don't block. And yes I lose a lot when I have 70% to 85% in these spots but having 70%+ chance is awesome to get it all in without knowing how the river card will help or hurt Villain. And Villain can tank fold with a flush draw because they aren't getting the right price to call % wise (though with AXs they often think they are getting the right price because of the A, thinking it gives them 3 more outs). Checking here means you give Villain a chance to hit their flush or fold to a river bet if they miss. Yes Villain can bluff all in. I just think they won't often do that ICM wise. So if they have a flush and jam how are you going to fold anyway with AA?

Cool, that sounds like a 'thumb's up'. GTOW, which I guess doesn't really take account of ICM considerations, prefers a check or small bet on the turn. I am not sure why as the jam seems logical and clean. Its nasty when we check and another heart comes.

Any thoughts on the second part of my question - where should I prefer to sit at the final table when given the option?

I would likely prefer a small stack to my left because it makes SB jams an option. Also we can limp with monsters and hope the small stack BB jams.

For me though I would prefer to have tight players on my left and loose aggro players and/or GTO Solvers on my right.

For the record this has never come up in any tournament I have ever played in...

Seems fine. I guess he had a flush or set or something, but what can you do?

Hello, this is a pretty interesting spot — early final table, ICM already matters, payouts are meaningful, and decisions aren’t just about chips anymore. It’s totally normal that no street felt automatic here, these are exactly the kind of spots where small mistakes can be expensive.

Same with seating — it’s more important than most people think. Stack distribution and who’s on your left or right can really affect how aggressively you can play and how much pressure you can apply.

We work a lot with these kinds of situations. Not just hands themselves, but also things like ICM decisions, table dynamics, and edges like seat selection that most players overlook.

You can check some feedback and examples here:

https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/290/c...

If you want, we can take a look at your spots or even your whole database and point out where you can gain extra EV. First look is completely free.

I am sure your product would solve it, but I don't think this is an interesting spot at all. You have to go with AA.