Calling Is Hard

liquid's YTD: $930.31

Tonight I have a rarity: me, with a made hand, calling down a bettor on multiple streets. Historically this tactic has led to Bad Things for hero. Therefore, my strong tendency is to push or pass, especially when I have position. I'm consciously working to identify situations where calling is correct when not on a draw.

$50 PL Omaha Hi (Real Money)

Seat 1: Hero (CO, $116.1)
Seat 6: Agressor (UTG, $52.15)

** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Hero [Td 8d 9c Ts]

Agressor calls [$0.5].
UTG+1 calls [$0.5].
UTG+2, MP1, MP2 fold.
Hero raises [$1.5].
Button, SB, BB fold.
Agressor raises [$3.5].
UTG+1 folds.
Hero calls [$2.5].

Pre-flop check-raise from Agressor in early position. Agressor sat down four hands ago, and I don't have a history on him. Assumption is aces.

** Dealing Flop ** [7h, 5s, 5d]
Agressor checks.
Hero checks.

** Dealing Turn ** [6s]
Agressor bets [$6].

Nut straight on a paired board. Huh. I consider raising, but realize this is likely one of those situations where I'm either way beat (with an unlikely AA77 or AA66?) or way ahead. I'm counting on the latter, and maybe foe has another bluff for the river. Seems like a good opportunity to *gulp* call. Deep breath, and here we go.

Hero calls [$6].

** Dealing River ** [6d]
Agressor bets [$20].
Hero calls [$20].
Agressor shows [Tc, Jh, Ah, Kc] a pair of sixes.
Hero shows [Td, 8d, 9c, Ts] a straight, five to nine.
Hero wins $58.25 from the main pot with a straight, five to nine.

How about that. Uncomfortable, but rewarding.