Poker Pros Debate Optimal Strategies for Final Table Play

In a recent discussion, poker professionals delved into the intricacies of final table strategies. Gareth James highlighted a scenario where a player opens from the button on a final table, and the big blind checks and raises after the player's continuation bet.

Andrew George suggested checking the flop in this spot, while Gareth James mentioned that the solver usually bets to get value from weaker hands. Gareth James also noted that pushing all-in preflop is a good idea when the risk premium against the big blind is high.

Scott Wayne suggested calling the check-raise on the flop, indicating that the player's range has an advantage. Gareth James discussed another scenario where Str8$$$Homey (Säm Greenwood) raises 2.2 bb from the hijack, and the player on the small blind has AKs. Dietrich Fast suggested a 3-bet of 12 bb, while Martin Young proposed going all-in. Nerius Tamosauskas advised simply calling, considering the stack distribution and lack of position. TravisT Poker Player and Streamer suggested mixing a large 3-bet and a call with a super-polar range. Adriano Santos considered both calling and a large 3-bet, mentioning that AKs is a strong hand for 3-betting for value. Gareth James proposed three sizes for a 3-bet: 8.25 bb, 14.2 bb, and all-in, with AKs usually going all-in 82.5% of the time.