Not a mistake — the solver checks this about 44% of the time to keep the nut draw disguised and its checking range protected. But betting edges it: a check gives up the fold equity and lets a better hand see a free card that can dodge your draw.

AKs on Q♥ 7♥ 2♣, checked to you — bet or check?

Q: AKs on Q♥ 7♥ 2♣, checked to you — bet or check?

Bet. You have nothing made yet (ace-king high), but the nut flush draw and two overcards — around fifteen outs. Betting does two jobs at once: it wins the pot outright when the weak part of their range gives up, and when they call, your draw wins a big pot often enough to print. The solver still checks about 44% to keep the draw hidden and balance its checking range — but betting edges it, so fire the semi-bluff.

The answer

Bet

semi-bluff

Solvers also mix: Check

The math: Nut flush draw + two overcards ≈ 15 outs → the solver bets 56%, checks 44%. Betting wins outright when their air gives up, and the draw takes the rest.

Why

You have nothing made yet (ace-king high), but the nut flush draw and two overcards — around fifteen outs. Betting does two jobs at once: it wins the pot outright when the weak part of their range gives up, and when they call, your draw wins a big pot often enough to print. The solver still checks about 44% to keep the draw hidden and balance its checking range — but betting edges it, so fire the semi-bluff.

The spot

Villain · BB

checks

POT · $12

Q♥

7♥

2♣

A♥

K♥

BTN

$1 / $2 · 100bb

Your seat: BTN
Stakes and stacks: $1 / $2 · 100bb
Your hand: A♥ K♥
Board: Q♥ 7♥ 2♣
Pot: POT · $12
Action on you: BB checks

Every option

Checktake a free card
Why not: Not a mistake — the solver checks this about 44% of the time to keep the nut draw disguised and its checking range protected. But betting edges it: a check gives up the fold equity and lets a better hand see a free card that can dodge your draw.
Betsemi-bluffCorrect
½ pot · $6 · ⅔ pot · $8 · pot · $12

The idea behind it

A semi-bluff bets a hand that’s behind now but can improve. It wins twice: better hands fold tonight, and when they don’t, your draw takes the pot often enough anyway.

Concept: Semi-bluff

See the glossary: value & bluffs Read the methodology

Terms in this spot

Semi-bluff

Play it instead of reading it

The trainer deals this hand with hints, grading and spaced repetition — and randomized variations of it once you have seen it.