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.

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