The Power of Pocket Aces and How To Use Them

This is arguably the best starting hand and yet so many people use it wrongly. The chances of another player having a pair of aces is very unlikely so you have to assume you have the best hand on the table. Too often players do not raise enough to take the marginal hands out of the game. Then when the flop comes the previously marginal hand is now the winning hand.

Pre-Flop

By assuming that you have the best hand on the table you have to bet aggressively because in the whole scheme of things you hand is not really that good unless other helpful cards come up in the flop. By betting highly others will fold and your chance of winning will increase. This means pre-flop betting which is something that novice players seem to do. Moreover, aggression when you actually have a good hand means later in the game if you are bluffing players are less likely to notice.

After The Flop

This heavily depends on the cards that have been dealt. If three cards of the same suit have been laid or there is the possibility of a straight draw then it is wise not to be too gun ho with your betting. However, if the other players check or only bet a small amount it is a good idea to raise putting the pressure back on your opponents. This will eliminate the players who just wanted to see the flop and now have no hand. This could be everyone and you may win the plot. With a pair of aces the fewer cards that are turned over the greater your chance of winning.

What If a Pair Comes Up?

One of the worst scenarios is if another pair comes up in the flop and quite a few players are still in. This means while your hand has improved someone might have three of a kind. If another player makes a big raise and have not been bluffing in the rest of the game, paining as it might be, you should not call. If the no-one on the table bets you probably still have the best hand so should continue to be aggressive eliminating more of the marginal hands. Do not under circumstances make a weak raise as this shows uncertainty which other players can take advantage of.

Ultimately, if played right the pocket aces should win you most hands but some people get too attached and do not play the hand right. If there are six or more players and four call to see the flop there is a decent chance someone will have a better hand so do not keep raising if another player is raising and calling when there are much better hands on the table. The key is to be decisive!

Be lucky!!

Chris