How to handle a bully

Playing in the Full Tilt Record Breaker Sunday, the blinds were 100/200, and I had K-Q in the big blind. One player limped to me and I raised to 700. I hadn't been at the table long, but he had a big stack. When players have a big stack, it usually means they have been aggressive (and probably lucky). He called.

I made a CB on the flop and he called again. I checked the turn and he checked behind. Finally, I hit my card on the river. What would you do? I checked again. If I had him beat, he will likely fire at the pot because I've checked twice indicating I've given up on the hand. If I really am behind, I save money. Remember: The villain is a player whom I've pegged as aggressive.

Sure enough, he bet out for 2000. I called (no need to raise as I'm either way ahead or way behind).

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 9 Players

LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 1,770
SB: 2,680
Hero (BB): 8,497
UTG: 3,420
UTG+1: 2,945
UTG+2: 1,513
MP1: 25,993
MP2: 9,722
CO: 3,285


Pre-Flop: (300) K Q dealt to Hero (BB)

3 folds, MP1 calls 200, 4 folds, Hero raises to 700, MP1 calls 500

Flop: (1,500) 6 8 7 (2 Players)

Hero bets 1,500, MP1 calls 1,500

Turn: (4,500) 8 (2 Players)

Hero checks, MP1 checks

River: (4,500) Q (2 Players)

Hero checks, MP1 bets 2,000, Hero calls 2,000

Results: 8,500 Pot

Hero showed K Q (two pair, Queens and Eights) and WON 8,500 (+4,300 NET)

MP1 showed 9 A (a pair of Eights) and LOST (-4,200 NET)