Playing AJ and AQ

[istewart]

This is primarily dealing with the smallest of NL stakes online.

Facing a standard raise from a typical loose maniac that come a dime a dozen at the lower stakes, how do you recommend playing AJ and AQ (or AJs/AQs) in EP/MP and LP? Without facing a raise, but knowing that your raises might not thin the field any, is it sound to just limp with these hands in nearly all positions (minus, perhaps, the CO and button)?

My question is purely regarding NL, as I think these hands tend to be a bit trickier preflop than in low limit hold 'em.

Thanks for any help you can lend.

[admo415]

I usually fold AJ unsuited from EP, raise with AQ from all, call BB with AJs from all, call from LP with AJ (or maybe a raise to steal) if few players

[pdubz]

I agree. I find AJo getting me into trouble in real pots.

[admo415]

Right, since if an Ace hits you might have kicker problems, so then all of a sudden you call hoping for a jack high flop...and hoping for one out of your 2 cards is never good

[jjb108]

That and showing down AJo to AQ or AK pretty much puts me on tilt. You end up bleeding cash playing AJ out of postition or to a raise.

[Piz0wn0reD!!!!!!]

You guys are crazy. I raise AJo and up UTG. These players WILL call w/ worse hands and they WILL pay you off. this happens more than running into AK, AQ. You should fold AJ to a raise, unless the player raises WAY too much PF (like 18% or more).