Ace King or Big Slick refers to that particular hand in your game which never gets you the money you deserve out of it. This has been the most common complaint amongst card players today.
However, no matter what you feel about the Ace King hand in cash card games, it is no doubt that the hand is one of the strongest in the field.
Therefore, instead of whining about how the Ace King does not bring you good returns, it is just better to learn how to play the pre flop and the post flop situations properly. This article will help you learn just that and more.
How to Play Ace-King in Common Pre-flop Situations
Ace King is one of the strongest hands that you can get in No Limit Hold’em card games. Even if you are a beginner to this game, holding the two highest valued cards in the game must serve as a reminder of that.
Take a look at what you must do to win with this hand. Remember to always raise with this hand pre-flop. Once the action folds to you, you could win big this way.
Against a Raise
Ace King is an amazing hand to play as a 3-bet for value against any other card position.
If there is a raise, then you must wager a 3-bet with this hand every single time you can. Instead of going with passive cold calling, this strong hand will get you massive returns.
Against a 3-Bet
If there is a 3-bet card game playing, then you should 4-bet for value with your strong Ace King hand.
Once you raise and face a 3-bet, just choose to call using your Ace King.
Why should you listen to us?
- In the early or middle card positions, there is a bigger 3-bet size.
- 3-bet levels from the blinds are stronger.
Against a 4-Bet
Unless and until you feel that you have an opponent who has an insanely good hand (better than even Ace King), you must always answer a 4-bet with an Ace King and nothing else! This keeps your win and your position secure.
Ace King Poker Strategy Post-flop
Before the flop, things are not that difficult with Ace King. With 3-bets and 4-bets, this hand almost guarantees you great returns.
However, things get trickier with the Ace King after the flop or post-flop. The two important scenarios in this context are listed below.
Ace King in Heads Up Pots
In this case, the Ace King hand can get off with a win around 30 percent of the time. So, how do you make sure you are always within that 30 percent?
Fire continuation bets when the board textures are such that they do not connect that well and the big blind cannot defend the range. Here, you will have plenty of opportunities to make a better bet when the river phase comes in.
Avoid board textures that are co-ordinated and have only a few medium cards.
King Ace in Multi-way Pots
When there is a flop against more than one opponent, the best idea going forward would be to be careful. If you do not connect with the board texture, do not continue betting. Continue only if you have backdoor equity of some value.
Tips for Playing When You Hit the Flop with AK
1.Always c-bet for value when you flop top pair
Try for a c-bet when there is a good flop coming your way. This includes single pots as well as 3-bet pots. You do not need to bother with whether your top pair is a King-high flop or an Ace-high flop. Both are very strong hands that guarantee you good value.
2.In 3-bet pots, size down your c-bets
In 3-bet pots, the pot is already overflowing. This means that you should make your c-bets smaller, challenging your opponent’s marginal hands and getting a better value via bluffing.
3.Proceed cautiously with top pair in multiway pots!
The top pair that you have is great on the flop even in a multiway pot. But, there is a chance of an equity reduction. Use a smaller c-bet here. If the flop c-bet also feels weird, then go for a check.
Tips for Playing When You Miss the Flop With AK
1. Bet when the flop is dry and disconnected and you are in position.
When you are the pre-flop aggressor on a disconnected flop, fire one c-bet after the other with the Ace King even without a draw.
2.You can sometimes check-call when you miss the flop after 3-betting.
If the flop is not very connected, you can begin with a check-call and then opt for a call if you see an opponent betting.
3.When the board is connected and you have nothing, it’s best to fold.
Beginners think that with a great hand they will win every pot. When the board texture is against you, fold and move on.
Final Words
Following all the tips and strategies mentioned above will ensure great value from the Hold’em pots that you play at.
F.A.Q.s
Should you fold ace king pre-flop?
Folding an ace king pre-flop is not sound advice.
Should you go all in with ace king?
Unless you have an opponent who has an aggressive 4-betting range, ace king is a strong hand to go all in with.
What are the odds of winning with ace king?
Ace king is a strong hand before the flop with odds of roughly more than 50-50, also called a “coin flip”.
Is ace king suited better than pocket aces?
Pocket aces are better suited than ace kings as they beat ace kings around 92 percent of the time.
Is ace king better than ace ace?
A pair of aces is better than ace kings. It is even better than a pair of kings.