As promised - for Pureprophet

Alan asked to see this hand after he folded. So, here it is an my logic…

Full Tilt Poker Game #5493553082: Mondays at the Hoy (41405249), Table 15 - 800/1600 Ante 200 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:06:04 ET - 2008/03/04
Seat 1: pureprophet (90,117)
Seat 4: Breeze81 (18,105)
Seat 5: bayne_s (31,390)
Seat 6: columbo (46,963)
Everyone ntes 200
columbo posts the small blind of 800
pureprophet posts the big blind of 1,600
The button is in seat #5

Ok, There are 4 at our table and maybe 9 left. I have a healthy stack, but not enough to coast. I am playing to win not cash (note: this is RARE for me, I usually play to cash high and not worry about first.)

*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to columbo [2d 2c]
Breeze81 folds
bayne_s folds
columbo calls 800

I know a lot of people would raise or fold here, but I prefer small-ball, If I raise and he-reraises, the pot is 3 times as large than if I am just prepared to call a 3x raise from the ONLY remaining player. NOTE: This is NOT a popular way to play, I know that. But I will not attempt to convince you my style is better than any “book” style.

pureprophet raises to 3,200
columbo calls 1,600

There was NO thought put into the call as I prepared for the raise in advance.
Pot is 7200 and is still escapable… for either of us. This is important to me.

*** FLOP *** [Th 3d 4h]
This flop rules. I mean, when you are on 22 and you DON’T flop a set, wouldn’t you want THIS flop? Even when I bet, how can he put me on even a range of hands near 22?

columbo bets 7,200
This POT size bet attempt to show that I flopped either TP or have a pair 55-99.

pureprophet has 15 seconds left to act <= probably thinking the same thing, but is worried about a bluff because the flop is so bad. But, the bet is BIG so he is wary of coming over the top. He suspects he might be ahead, so he calls.

pureprophet calls 7,200

Pot is about 21k

Now since he calls here, I do NOT smell a trap. I now suspect he has A-rag, something like K3, or even presto.

*** TURN *** [Th 3d 4h] [4c]

The four pairs the board and I want to make a bet that looks like the I am worried about a flush sucking out on me, Plus, the turn is the pressure point when he smooth calls the turn. If I am not afraid and his hand is marginal, psychologically his choice is brutal.

But I am willing to move in here. I mean even though I could fold and still have chips, I push to send a message. “I want your chips”.

columbo bets 36,363, and is all in

He likes is hand or suspicious, but only a hope-a-tron calls here unless I have a reputation for bluffing, which I don’t.

pureprophet has requested TIME
pureprophet folds

Uncalled bet of 36,363 returned to columbo
columbo wins the pot (21,600)

Was I bluffing with the best hand or did Alan lay down a pair? Only he knows.