Playing AA in early position

#1 10-17-2005, 06:40 AM

i've realised that when i raise AA in early position, everybody seems to fold, and i only get small pots. does anybody think that it might be better to call to enlarge the pot?

#2 10-17-2005, 06:49 AM

Definitly not. You will encourage drawing hands to come in behind you cheaply. Just raise and hope that people with AK and TT will call you.

#3 10-17-2005, 06:53 AM

OK. How about holding AA, i raise. everybody folds but one other person.

the flop is J and 2 other blanks. should i raise or slowplay?

_Kevin_ · #4 10-17-2005, 07:02 AM

Don't slow play Aces, you will regret it. It is much better to win a small pot than lose a big pot. Others may disagree but I've found this is the best long term strategy.

Lead the flop. If he calls, bet the turn and river. If you get 2 bet, the board is drawless, and the player is aggressive, I will call and check raise the turn. If the board is draw heavy (for example 2 flush cards), I usually 3 bet and lead the turn.

Webster · #5 10-17-2005, 07:08 AM

If you have AA play it hard and fast - it's ONLY one pair. Winning a small pot is WAY better then losing right?

NEVER EVER slow play pockets aces - that is just luricras.

Grinderswarehouse - NOT just another BLOG

#6 10-17-2005, 07:46 AM

EVERYTIME I've slowplayed AA I've lost with them. I lost because I made it cheap for the villians to chase. This is before posting in this forum and reading GSIH and SSH. Play AA fast and hard pre-flop. Then after thr flop make sure you know who you're playing against, put them on a range of hands, and evaluate if you are UI.

If they fold before the flop, happily take the blinds and enjoy your free orbit around the table.

#7 10-17-2005, 07:49 AM

What is GSIH and SSH??

#8 10-17-2005, 08:07 AM

GSIH aka GSHE - "Getting Started in Hold'em" by Ed Miller
SSH aka SSHE "Small Stakes Hold'em" Ed Miller, David Sklansky, and Mason Malmuth

These are the old and new testaments of microlimit poker. (excuse the potential sacriledge!)

#9 10-17-2005, 08:17 AM

[ QUOTE ]
If the board is draw heavy (for example 2 flush cards), I usually 3 bet and lead the turn.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you use this as a counter-strategy to a potential freecard-raise in these situations?

Regards!

#10 10-17-2005, 08:22 AM

If you never raise EP with AA, then opponents will know when you DO raise, you don't have AA. So you have to raise At Least part of the time.

But there is an argument for limping at a TIGHT table, maybe 10% of the time, if you've been at the table for a long time and the players start to pick up on your tendencies.

With loose inferior players, however, raise it up 100% of the time.