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How do you play AK off suit (pre-flop)

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  1. tymzend tymzend is offline

    South Beloit, IL
    United States

    Posts: 205
    Joined: Feb 05

    Sep 17th, 2005 (9/17/2005 12:59pm)

    I have no problem folding AK (suited or not) post flop if I miss, but, pre-flop I have real trouble laying it down to an all-in.

    Lost 3 times with it today, each time to QQ.

    Am I overvaluing this hand?

    How do you play it?
  2. NIURAT NIURAT is offline

    Dekalb, IL
    United States

    Posts: 246
    Joined: Feb 05

    Sep 17th, 2005 (9/17/2005 1:59pm) in reply to tymzend

    Somehow, you've confused the value of AK with a Big Pair like AA and KK (this is common, especially online). AK is a draw type hand, and could be considered abetter hand then AA and KK.

    " An A-K is a 'better' hand than two Aces or two Kings for two very important reasons:
    1. You'll win more money if you hit a hand with it; and
     2. You'll lose less money when you miss a hand with it (Super/System, 472)."

    So basically you've completely elimated it's second element of being a good hand (that being, it's completely foldable at anytime).

    I hate the idea of calling all-in's pre-flop with AK. Seems like if you're going to put your chips in, you should be the one creating the pressure, however there are good times to do it.

    Calling an all-in preflop:

    ---> When it's not going to wrech your stake (therefore, your facing a low stake).
    ---> When your opponent is proun to make big moneys with hands like AQ and AJ too
    frequently.

    Other then that, if you raise someone with AK and someone comes over the top of you for all of YOUR chips, you can fold. No ones going to judge your manhood or your aggression.

    I constantly switch up my play AK pre-fliop. I'll call, raise, move-in, all depending on circumstances.
  3. tymzend tymzend is offline

    South Beloit, IL
    United States

    Posts: 205
    Joined: Feb 05

    Sep 17th, 2005 (9/17/2005 2:37pm) in reply to NIURAT

    Maybe it's just bad luck with it on this day, but haven't won a hand with it day, and have had it dealt to me at least 8 times today, all off suit.

    But, I wasn't drawing very well today anyway, so maybe it wouldn't have mattered.

    Just a lot of bad beats (and a serious case of TILT O MATIC), and I have concluded that I am going to go ride my Harley, and give poker a break for today.

    I appreciate your insight, Niurat. I need some time to settle down and take that hand for what it is. Today, fold for me, lol.

    Oh well, only down $100, still up for the week!!
    Thread Starter
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