A) yeah you could bet the turn harder. But a $30 bet into an $80 pot here isn't really all that bad I don't think. You value bet and I believe it was the right play. As a rule of thumb, if i want a cheap river and im like 60-70% sure im ahead ill bet half the pot, because i dont want to get stuxk calling a bigger bet, and i am ready to fold to a check raise(depending on what i know about my opponent). Had he had a tiny stack(like $60 behind or less) then betting $60 could be good because it's pretty tough to see check-call move all in with less than queens here. They could be holding J10, but outside of that, what scares you at this point? You're almost certainly winning. I think you played the turn right. If you really know your opponent and you are 90% sure you are winning, take away their
odds and bet 2/3-3/4 the pot size. Now, back to back check calls shouldve immediately allowed you to put SB on (J10, 910,A9,K9, 89, A8, 78, 67, 88)Please note: If they're slow playing a set three handed with a straight making board, then they are making a huge mistake. Know your opponent's skill level and you can eliminate the possibility of being up against a set here.
The bet on the river is a DEAD giveaway that they hit the nine. Unless they are total calling stations who bluff when the river comes if they feel there's no other option(lol), the right play was just calling the vbet on the river or folding there.
B) I would NEVER bluff this river in this scenario. Ever. However, if you're going to do it, you raise 3/4 the pot size and make sure your opponent has a stack that can cover your bet, otherwise they're definitely calling.
C) If I'm playing loose calling stations, I like to establish a loose image early in the game, play lots of
hands, chat a bunch of ppl up and then just play simple fundamental poker. I widen my preflop range slightly because I know worse hands are now better. Now 109s Oop is a little tricky. Try and get in on cheap pots against big stack calling stations. Minraise preflop to avoid being raised out of it if you want. If you limp, keep it to a minimum. Nothing says weak player like a habitual open limper. NEVER bluff a calling station. If you go to the turn card you have to have him dead. Avoid cbetting this hand heads up if all you have is overcards because youre gonna have to do it again on the turn, and then make another decision on the river, it's a nightmare.
Like I said, I like getting in on cheap pots against BIGSTACK calling stations and just getting paid when I hit. Cbetting, and really TAG play can often get crushed by calling stations. Switch to a LAG play style minus the
bluffing.