[baronzeus]

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But A-high wins more often unimproved.

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The two ways you can be confident your A8 will win is a) if the flop is 8 high or b) the flop contains an ace. This does not happen very often, and if you are betting into a J92 flop with A8, and your opponent will call you with mid pair and you are likely drawing to 3 outs and a backdoor straight draw. Needless to say, playing weak unsuited aces is one of my biggest leaks IMO.

QJo can win in many ways. If you flop a Q or a J you have TPGK most of the time-and when you don't, assuming the blind didn't raise you, your hand is still usually good.

Also, Even when the flop is unfavorable - say T62r, you have 6 solid outs and a backdoor straight draw almost every time. This isn't ideal, but you are in much better shape with QJ than A8 if your opponent flops a pair.

Also, assuming that in a steal situation A8 is far better than QJ unimproved is incorrect. When the blind doesn't 3bet you before the flop, he likely doesn't have an A high hand, and in turn, doesn't have you beat UI anyways.




PS Kiddo do you still coach? send me a PM