In a game of Texas Hold ‘em, one of the most difficult hands to play is Ace King, otherwise referred to as AK. Yes, it is a strong hand, but a slightly more problematic one than pocket pairs or other strong hands, requiring the consideration of many more factors. Although it is obviously slightly weaker, the same can be said for Ace Queen (AQ).
Exactly how you play AK or AQ at a table with five players in a strong position is completely different than how you would play it from a weak position with ten players. These type of factors will make a huge difference in how you play this hand whether you are playing in a sit and go tournament or a large scale tournament. It is far too common for players to play this hand strong when they shouldn’t and soft when what they should be doing is betting and raising.
Hopefully, this page will address the difference.
Do Not All In Pre Flop
Initially, AK against almost any pocket pair is the slight underdog so the first thing to understand about AK is some of the odds with AK heads up.
Because of this factor, going all in with AK pre flop is not a good idea. This is because approximately half of the time you will get beaten.
This is also that we are assuming only one player is calling you and not two or three which would dramatically increase the chances of a flush, straight or trips being hit against you even if you do manage to make a high pair.
What Are The Odds Of Playing AK
Although AK can be a strong hand, its real strength and weaknesses is totally reliant on what game you are playing, the players you are playing against, your position at the table and the situation that you find yourself in.
The difference between making solid winnings and posting huge losses is often determined in how the player plays that one hand.
First of all, here are sample odds from heads up situations.
- AK unsuited VS TT = 42.7%
- AK unsuited VS 76 suited = 57.7%
- AK suited VS 66 = 47.9%
- AK suited VS QJ suited = 60.0%
See how the only hand that is even relatively dominated is QJ suited, and even that isn’t particularly overwhelming.
AK can lose out to even a low pocket pair and really isn’t that much stronger than two suited middle cards. This can come as a huge wake up call for many beginner Hold ‘Em players. AK does dominate a lot of other strong hands.
Players will bet heavy with AQ, AJ, AT, KQ and KJ, especially when those hands are not suited. AK is also a 3/1 (75%) favourite over AQ prior to the flop.
AK Needs To Hit The Flop
What all this means is that while AK is a strong starting hand, it isn’t one that is dominant until something hits on the flop. AK is also a hand that must be played with strong thinking at each stage of the game. AK is at its best from a strong position pre flop. However, the strategy should remain the same meaning that you still want to raise a respectable amount.
In No Limit Hold ‘Em this would be about three times the big blind, because you want to give off the impression that you are holding a strong hand. Weaker middle hands or chasers will then be frightened off and if you do hit that best hand, then you will be wanting more chips in the pot.
Betting Big If You Do Hit The Flop
If the flop does indeed deliver an Ace or a King, or even both, then bet and raise. So, you have hit your hand and don’t wish to give odds to draw to any gut shot straight draws or flush draws. How your competitors react to this can also give you some sort of insight into what they might be holding.
It could well be that somebody at the table has a weak Ace like A6, in which case they will be likely to make a call or raise you the exact same amount that you bet. Another player might be holding QK with their king hitting against your king leading them to think that they have the best hand which will lead them into serious trouble. If there is no obvious likelihood of a straight or flush, then keep on pushing the pot.
Playing The Frightening Flop
Suppose the flop looks scary and you do catch another Ace or King, but all three cards are spades and you don’t have any. If this is the case, just make one strong bet and if everyone calls or if somebody raises heavily and others call it, simply muck your hand and throw it away.
New players are often surprised how often that early raise can torpedo the pot because if no one has the flush or somebody else has the high card but believes you have the flush, then a lot of the time you can take down the pot. If somebody does come after you, then throw it away and wait for the next opportunity.
Continuously Betting A Missed Flop
Let’s say that you raise pre flop and the board reads 9-7-2 unsuited. In this case, so long as you happen to be in an early position, you should make a continuous bet. This is because, if you did raise pre flop and some people only called, there is a very good possibility that you will be facing KQ, AJ or other hands like that that also missed out on the flop completely.
You might be able to take down the hand completely because now the others need to question about the nine and worry about a strong pocket pair. In most cases, and for this reason, everyone will fold.
If you get a call that seems a little tentative, bet on the next card as well no matter what is drawn. If the turn card is a little scary and the other player raises hard, give it up and walk away. If not, then the pot should be all yours for the taking.
Never Chase With AK Or AQ
A move that will often lead many players into jeopardy is chasing AK to the river when someone else is betting. It might seem obvious, but if you miss the flop completely and other players are betting and calling, leave them to it.
AK or AQ is a great starting hand, but if the flop doesn’t go your way, the trapdoor can open up and your odds drop right through it. In many cases, when AK misses the flop the hand can actually become unwinnable, or needs a runner, runner if it is to have any hope of a successful outcome.
Basically, if you miss and the others are raising, muck it away and wait for a better situation. Strong pre flop hands just aren’t strong enough once they have a missed flop. This is why many poker players hold the philosophy that the chips you don’t lose are every bit as good as the ones you win.