[frob23]

In this hand, I managed to get nearly half my stack involved with a marginal hand against the other big stack at the table. Comments are welcome. As well as advice on what to do on the end. This is not the final table. There are 12 players left at this time on two different tables. We are far enough away from the money that ICM calculations aren't useful.

This is a live game. The villain and I are the big stacks at the table and the average stack size is about 3,300 in chips. Both blinds are very, very tight at this point and have been limping, if possible, and folding to any pre-flop action. The villain has been active and is generally loose but not very aggressive.

Blinds 200/400 -- 6 Handed

Hero: 6,400
Villain: 5,600
SB: 900
BB: 1,400

Hero: Q-J

Folds around to Hero in the CO seat. Hero bets 900. Villain on the button calls. Both blinds fold.

Flop: [J-9-7] (rainbow) Pot 2,400
Hero bets 700. Villain calls

Turn [J-9-7][9] Pot 3,800
Hero bets 1,200. Villain calls

This is where I get worried. I can't figure out what he is calling with. He might have a better kicker with the J, or maybe a 9. I can't discount a slow-played straight. In all, I am very worried about his call here. There is no possible flush draw.

River [J-9-7-9][3] Pot 6,200
Hero checks. Villain bets 1,000.
Hero ???.

I have 3,600 left behind at this point. Villain has 1,800 after this bet. Try as I might, I just can't put the villain on a hand here and have been confused since his call on the turn. What hand could he possibly call pre-flop with, that fits this action, and that I beat now? Do I call this or let it go and rebuild? I'll still have a larger than average stack. Then again, even if I call and lose, I won't be far below the average.

I'd be very interested in what people think the villain has here and what the correct move is. I've discussed the same hand with several people but always like more insight.