Re: Question about coinflip?
The rule of thumb is that the pair is a 6-5 (55:45) favorite against overcards.
The term "coin-flip" refers to the fact that there is no huge mismatch; the dead money (blinds + antes + anyone who folded) often makes it mathmatically correct for both players to contest the pot - even if they could see the other's hand.
Pair vs lower pair is a mismatch; the higher pair is, on average, a 4.5-1 (82:18) favorite.
A-K vs A-"anything else" is a mismatch; A-K is > a 3-1 favorite over almost all other Aces.
A-J vs K-T is not a David/Goliath but the A-J is ~ a 3-2 (60:40) favorite.
You will win alot of money by getting opponents to put their stacks in the pot as 6-5 underdogs.
You will get rich getting them all-in as 3-1/4-1 'dogs.
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The other reason for the term . . .
If I am looking at a large bet (that is not a bluff) while holding A-K there are 3 scenarios.
My opponent has a pair (2-2 thru Q-Q) and I am a small 'dog.
My opponent has a lessor Ace (A-Q being the most likely) and I am a huge favorite.
My opponent has AA or KK and I am in deep doodoo.
- Actually there is a difference between facing KK or AA; I am close to dead against AA while I am a [much smaller] 3-1 'dog against KK but obviously I am hoping for one of the first two scenarios (him: A-Q or a smaller pair) if I do call.
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