DTD Trip - Nottingham - May 3rd - Cooler or Bad Play?

After failing to make it to day 2 in the main event I played the £150 sunday afternoon event.
5000 stack - 30 min levels - 80 runners.

I was out of the tournament in about 10 minutes. I wonder if you dear reader could have avoided my fate?

1 Pre flop call?

We are on level 1 : 25/50 and I pick up A4 both hearts in the big blind. UTG raises to 300 the button calls as does the Small Blind. Would you call here?


I call because:
A - it is early on and I'm looking to hit a monster or chuck my hand away. If I get a flush draw then I could play it strong .
B - there is no further action to come so I can't get raised. I would not play this hand to a raise if I was earlier than the cut off position.
C - 4 way action. I would not call heads up.

2 Post flop check?

The flop comes 445 rainbow. The small blinds checks. What should I do?


I think it is clear to check also since the UTG raiser and / or the button must have something to bet with. I am inclined to think I am a mile ahead so I want to get some more in the pot before making a big bet on the turn.

I check, UTG bets 400 and the button folds but the SB calls.

3 Flop raise

So do you call or raise?

I just called - I still think I am in front and I don't want to lose the UTG player. I will make my move on the turn - bet size will depend on the nature of the turn card.

4 Turn check?

Turn is 6c making 2 clubs on the board.
I now don't want to see the river with straights and flushes around. SB checks to me and I look for the check raise. Would you bet out?


5 Fold?

The UTG bets 500 and then the SB makes it 1500.
The pot is now 3900 and it will cost me 1500 to call. I see no reason to do anything except go all-in.
UTG folds and unfortunately the SB instacalls showing 55 for the flopped full house. Oops - I need the case 4.

So I'm not sure if I could have done anything about this.....