One type of hand I have been struggling with since I started poker are the draws. I still barely make any money on flushes or straights and I'm just not sure where I go wrong.

This is a hand from my session today, just curious to hear your thoughts on my play.


SB: $25.45
BB: $34.85
UTG: $21.77
MP: $2.90
CO: $38.80
Hero (BTN): $41.45

Pre Flop: ($0.40) Hero is BTN with 6 8
3 folds, Hero raises to $0.90, 1 fold, BB calls $0.65

Open a decent 86s on the button. Blind is a 22/3/2 player, seems weaktight and passive and folds a ton of blinds. We are also somewhat deep, which comes into play later. Not quite sure what his range for calling here is, but probably pocketpairs and better aces/broadways

Flop: ($1.95) 5 A T (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $1.55, BB calls $1.55

So I flop myself a draw here, obviously c-betting here and trying to fold out some smaller pairs or other hands that missed. When he calls I think he has Ax, Tx very often and occasionally a draw

Turn: ($5.05) 2 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $3.90, BB raises to $7.80, Hero calls $3.90

Turn is where it gets interesting. I decide to fire another barrel, which I'm sort of unsure about. I figured he would fold a ten, some weaker draws and maybe something like JJ that he didn't want to 3-bet pre. Then he check/minraises at which point his range is exactly TT, 55 or AT. Given potodds and the implied odds if I hit my flush (noone folds a set ever) I have to make the call here right? Right

River: ($20.35) Q (2 players)
BB bets $20.35 , Hero folds



Wee! I brick and lay it down. 8-high hero call anyone?


So my real question is on the turnplay. Is it standard to fire the 2nd barrel here or would it be better to take a free card here? I just never know what the hell to do with my draws

Let me start by saying that you are wrong about his turn range, it is DEFINITELY wider than 'exactly TT 55 or AT' you didn't even include A5 or A2! or random hands that don't make tons of sense that may do this.

barreling the turn here some of the time is definitely good as he will lay down Tx and maybe KQ/KJ/QJ type hands that are ahead of you.
when he makes the minraise, you are indeed getting decent odds + implied odds, so calling is standard.
on the river obv fold. nh.