HAND OF THE DAY: 08.07.08

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted. I played losing poker in June/July and now I think I've got my act together heading into August. I've got a renewed interest in improving my game now that my wife has lost her job because I need to either start making bank or looking for an entry-level job of my own. Don't worry, I thrive on pressure.

I raise $18 preflop from late position in a $3/$6 cash game with Ah-Tc and find a caller on the button and also from the big blind.

FLOP: 5c-7h-4d
ACTION: * / * / * (my action is green and * indicates check; x = fold; Bet/Raise/Call)
ANALYSIS: It checked around. I don't like betting this flop into two players. I'm already raising light from late position and a flop like this could be right in the wheelhouse of a big blind caller. I likely give up the pot if the button bets but his check indicates that I may have the best hand pending the bb's upcoming action on the turn.

TURN: 5c-7h-4d / 9h
ACTION: * / * / B ($26) / C / C
ANALYSIS: If the bb is still checking, then there's a chance my ace-high is the best hand. I'm content to check it down. The button takes a stab and it is an obvious toothless stab unless he's paired his nine. The bb calls quickly but doesn't raise - it looks like a draw. He is not showing enough strength to worry about and there's still a chance my ace-high is the best hand. I'm looking to check down a blank on the river and hope for the best.

RIVER: 5c-7h-4d / 9h / 3s
ACTION: * / * / B ($52) / x / C
ANALYSIS: The river is definitely a blank and I tend to think that I have the button beat. I hope that the bb has missed as well as I am content to check it down. The bb checks, I check, and the button takes another stab. The bb folds, which is a great result for me. I think the button checks A-J or better in this spot, looking for a showdown. His bet indicates to me that he has king-high and wants me off of ace-high. He seems to be looking for me to fold so I make the call and he shows Kd-Jd. I win $239.