The weekend rec who leads into the preflop raiser on the flop - the "donk bet" - almost always has top pair or better. They're not protecting a draw. They're announcing their hand.

Why they do it

Recs donk bet because it feels proactive. They have something and they want to "take control." The problem is they only do it when they actually have something worth protecting. It's an unintentional tell that's incredibly reliable.

The adjustment

When a rec donk bets into you, slow down. Raise only with your best hands. With medium strength hands, just call and re-evaluate the turn. Don't get blown off equity but don't go crazy either.

What it's worth

Raising a donk bet with a bluff against a rec who donks their strong hands costs you a stack when they call-off. One correct fold or flat per session saves $60-100.