How strong is K/Q offsuit???

[Zag]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I have found in my games that raises from early/UTG tend to get a LOT of respect. They are fairly likely to steal the blinds

[/ QUOTE ]
Given just this statement, I would like to get you to think about your KQ in a different way. If an UTG raise is likely to steal the blinds, then I would say that this makes a good argument for raising with 78s, or some such. With KQ, you will either win the blinds (which you could have done just as well with 78s) or you will be up against a hand that has you badly dominated.

Against KK, I'd much rather have 78s than KQ, especially if the opponent has put me on a premium hand. I expect to lose money in either matchup, but when I do hit the 78s, it's going to be a very big surprise, and I will make a lot with it.

[FREDSKINS]

Thanks Zag, I like your point of view. Best post to the K/Q question yet, thanks

[SoBeDude]

Excellent point Zag.

I wonder though if I'm really only getting called by bettor hands? If your assumption is correct, then I'd have to agree. But big pairs don't come up every hand, so it not like every caller I get has pocket AA-QQ.

You definitely have me thinking though...

So if raising in EP with KQ is wrong, wouldn't calling be equally wrong? The same hand that dominates will still call/raise, then I'm in for one bet already and will call the raise, and I'm still in the same tough spot I was before.

Are you recommending folding KQ in EP?

Thanks for your input!

-Scott

[rigoletto]

Good point Dude

When you raise KQo or AQo from UTG it's not to get coldcalled (or raised) by KK, QQ and the like. It's to make the good players fold their meduim good hands (like big suited cards and medium pairs) and get the lousy players to call with their Axo, KJo, QJo, T8s etc. As the Dude points out: big pairs don't come up in every hand.