How to Play Ace King in Texas Hold'em
A misguided notion from players, especially beginners, is of a nice and strong look an Ace-King has as a starting hand. It really is still a draw hand that depends on getting a hit with the community cards. So let’s look at some points to keep in mind while playing an Ace King poker hand.
PRE-FLOP
The most common move here (an actual good one) is to raise pre-flop. Play aggressive and try to dominate the game from the start. This will allow you to have a close-to-accurate guess on what your opponents have, what your next move should be, as well as help you trim down the number of opponents.
If you initiate the raising, and others call you on it, then be sure to keep a good eye on your opponents, and learn their game. Aggressive players will tend to raise and call, so they might not have anything yet with them, while tight players calling you might have an actual good hand, and you ought to consider folding.
Your position on the table makes little difference. In other words, you will still have a chance to re-raise at any point, which should still trim players down, as well as show you who might have a good hand if they call. Remember, deep stack players might not be afraid to risk some chips so even if they are calling the re-raise, it still does not guarantee a strong hand from them – as opposed to short-stack players.
The last pre-flop point is raising… how much should you raise?
In this case, we will really have to leave it up to you… on your own judgment for a specific amount; however, in terms of small, middle, or high raise, then middle is your best bet. Raising small amounts will allow most players to call, which at the end might get a hit on the Flop that might beat you. Big amounts will only keep those with strong hands, for a tough race.
Tough players sticking around would have happened anyway, but this time, raising big means putting down a big chunk of your chips, and if you end-up being pot committed, then you will have no other choice than to keep on playing, hoping for a hit further down, or for a great Bluff; actually, going all-in might do the trick if you are up for it, but make sure it is a game between minimal opponents at the time (1 or 2).
FLOP
You have made it to the flop, along with other opponents… now what?
A generally good strategy is to raise the same amount on the flop as you did pre-flop. If you do not get a hit on the flop, then this will have to be a big bluff from you. Usually players who bet on the flop will be those who generally get a good hand, such as a high pair, while others will simply fold thinking that a player who raises both pre-flop and flop has probably a strong hand that just got better. This should allow you to get rid of more opponents on this round.
TURN
You made it to the Turn, but players are still calling your raises. Obviously these players have a good hand and you should now bet the same amount as you did on the Flop (keep that Bluff going), check for the Turn or fold.
If you do get your card on the Turn (an Ace or King), then you can make a bigger raise, but if you get called again, then pay attention and make sure there are no risks of a straight or flush from the opponents’ end when the River comes out, otherwise, you will have to swallow your pride and fold or get beaten.
Just consider these points for your poker strategy; at the end, it is up to the situation and the player; nonetheless, you should mix-up your game so you are not easily read like the common aggressive and tight players.
Last updated - September 24, 2010
