Why QT Must Flop Big

With QT and acting first in the round, you are subject to difficult decisions. In this case, I decided to call the pot bet on the flop to see if my opponent had a queen. However, even if he doesn't have a queen, he could have some kind of draw. Most players do not bet the flop on a draw, so I suspected he had a queen and hoped my kicker was higher.

The turn put a possible flush out there and we both checked. Checking here keeps the pot smaller, but I could have bet out as a bluff. It's risky, but a bet on the river could seal that effect.

The check by my opponent let me think he was afraid of the flush and also made me wonder if he had a queen. I bet out thinking I may have the best hand, but I was wrong. Playing QT in early position unsuited can get you in trouble and the trouble gets worse as the hand progresses.