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Hello,

I want to know if do you play AA and KK differently in cash games, as opposed in tourneys. I know in cash games, particularly low limit, you can normally play aggressively without going very crazy and then bust several players out with a raise. Typically you win however you also lose sometimes but only a few bucks. In tourneys, things are very different particularly the blind structure that increase from time to time. Not to mention that winning a small hand later can be more profitable than winning a big hand early.

Now, say each player starts with $2000 in chips and blinds at 25-50. To make players fold when betting from early position it would take you at least $200 but it would take you more if you bet in early position with callers. You’re then up against a loose player and you’re not going to fold a re-raise with AA. Before the flop, you can easily be in for $800-$1000 chips. In case you lose, you’re out. And if you steal the blinds, $75, or even win $1000, then great! Later blinds will be that big.

Folding such hand sounds silly but have you ever think of folding such without even betting it early in a tournament to later (when the blinds are bigger and the advantage of stealing is higher) have a hand with a better risk reward ratio?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Many thanks,
Jullian
Jullian,

Regardless of whether it’s a cash game or tournament, you are going to play A-A and K-K very strong. Folding either hand preflop in a tournament is silly. If you are unfortunate to lose, it doesn’t matter if it is early in the tournament or later in the tournament, you are out. You don’t get either hand that often, so take advantage with them when you get them.

Hello,

I always raise before the flop with AA however just recently I read a book that led me to a discovery. A discovery obliging me to actually slow play to get as many players in as possible. Well, typically, if more than five players call before the flop I chase for a set to win the pot that’s why I usually raise before the flop.

Any comment?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Mike
Mike,

You do not want multiple players in the pot when you hold A-A. 5 players greatly reduces your odds to win. You are still a favorite, but not as huge a favorite. I will raise with A-A as well.

Hello,

I have several questions to ask. I hope you have extra time.

1. I believe you once said that the hand grouping statistics are only valid at the start of hand, prior the preflop and prior to the instance by which one has already placed a bet. Am I right? Well, I’m sorry to say this but I think all the stuff were probably calculated in a simulated game where no one bets and folds up to the river. I think if Poker is this simple, there’ll be no challenge or even passion at all. Any thoughts?
2. Say a guy is holding 22 and before the flop he’s the first to bet. He can go all in but it would be a crazy thing as one of the other 9 players might wind up with a higher, better pair. But he can call if he is on the button and before his turn to bet first player has raised while others folded. Any idea?
3. Say the player who raised in question number 2 was holding AKs and so player with 22 would be no worse off than a player who folded with QQ. Player with AK could win by pairing with either the K or the A, against a pair. But if he doesn’t pair and there is no straight or flush, player with 22, 33, 44, 55, etc will win. What’s on your thoughts?
4. Now if player with low pair is low in chips, he might then consider the chance that the other player has AK or AJ and not JJ at all. In the event player with the low stack doesn’t call, in following hands, he still can’t earn sufficient chips to bet against multiple opponents up to the river, and then later on just lose. Well, a 50-50 chance of being back in position and winning back you chips is far better than no chance at all right? But why do you think should we give losing player much opportunity to be back in terms of position and chips?
5. In case I want to go all in against 9 players I believe I should be aware first of what my chances are with AA. I know merely putting it top on the list is not okay. Do you think I have a 60% chance, going in blind against everyone? Or otherwise much better or worser? What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Loyse
Loyse,

1. Statistics are independent of bets. They are based on the number of players involved. The betting, raising, and winning of pots is the reason people play poker. The challenge comes in the competition with the other player. Stats are based on the cards alone. They help us make decisions about betting and folding. It is up to us to make the decision. That’s the challenge.
2. Pocket 2’s are really a limping hand preflop. You want to try and see a flop and hit a set. Raising under the gun all-in is a big risk. Pocket 2’s at best case scenario is only a coin flop to win.
3. You are right. Pocket deuces win if the A-K does not make a pair. By the way this is a 52% to 48% race.
4. If a player is short stacked, then they need to push with any reasonable hand. A coin flip is better than being an underdog. As far as people giving short stacks the chance to get back in the tournament, someone has to take a shot at eliminating them at some point. Trying to do so when they are short stacked will cause the least amount of damage in the event they win.
5. You are around a 40% chance to win against 9 other players with A-A. A-A will be a favorite, but no hand is truly safe against 9 players preflop.