Part: Part Five - Betting Before the Flop

Opening by position

Pre-flop
Blinds 100 / 200Pot 300 (1.5 BB)COK♠10♠● 25,000 (125 BB)YOUfolded to youSB● 25,000 (125 BB)posts 100 (0.5 BB)BB● 25,000 (125 BB)posts 200 (1 BB)D

It folds to you on the cutoff with K♠T♠.

Folded to you on the cutoff with K♠T♠. Best?

WhyOpen-raise. King-ten suited is a clear open from the cutoff with only the button and blinds behind. The same hand is a fold from early position - opening requirements loosen as you move toward the button.
What happensYou raise to 500 (2.5 BB); the big blind calls.  Pot: 1,200 (6 BB).
Flop
Heads-upPot 1,200 (6 BB)K♦8♣4♥COK♠10♠● 25,000 (125 BB)YOUtop pairBB● 25,000 (125 BB)Big blindchecksD

Flop K♦ 8♣ 4♥ - top pair on a dry board. He checks.

Top pair, dry board, he checks. Best?

WhyBet for value. Top pair is well ahead on a dry board - charge worse pairs and draws while you have the lead from your positional open.
What happensYou bet 700; the big blind folds.  You take it down.
King-ten suited is a fold up front but a standard open on the cutoff - opening ranges widen with position. You opened, flopped well, and your c-bet took it.

Open tighter early and wider late: the closer you are to the button, the more hands clear the bar to raise first in.