Question for ED about SSH

[WiredPear]

I frequently play in games that are loose - 5-8 people see the flop and will cold-call with anything. In other words, it is extremely hard to protect a hand like AA or KK by raising. So you suggest that in loose, loose games to raise with hands like AQ, AJ, or KQ in EP. Now I know the theory is to raise to protect your hand but also for value. If the raise isn't likely to eliminate players is it still a good idea to raise? In other words, is it still a correct play if I would only be raising for value because players will cold-call with weaker hands? Or is the value of the raise because of the combined possibility of eliminating players and value?

I'm stumped as to what hands to raise with in a super loose game.

[Tosh]

[ QUOTE ]
If the raise isn't likely to eliminate players is it still a good idea to raise? In other words, is it still a correct play if I would only be raising for value because players will cold-call with weaker hands?

[/ QUOTE ]

There is plenty you need to read BEFORE Ed's book.

[tpir90036]

let's play a game. the game has 7 players who all ante $X, each is randomly dealt a card and a showdown follows to see who has the "best" card. however, you know that you will always be dealt a card that wins the game *more* than 1 time in 7. the players are getting bored and ask you if you want to up the ante all the way to $Y! why would you not want to do this?

-tpir

[Luke]

This topic has been addressed numerous times on these forums. Try the search function and see what you come up with.

But in a nutshell, the answer is, YES you want to still raise those premium hands in your loose games. What do you think they are calling with when 5 people cold call your AQo UTG raise?... Q5o, 63s, A2o, J7s, etc.

I just received Ed's book so I haven't really gotten very far with it but I'm sure he talks about preflop equity in it. So think about what kind of preflop equity AQo has against the crummy hands your opponents are cold calling with. (Hint: A LOT).

The idea essentially is that yeah, if a lot of people are cold calling your preflop raises, you'll win less pots but these pots will be considerably bigger. Thus, you'll win more money overall and that's the name of the game.

Good luck,

Luke

[WiredPear]

Christ, it's just a [censored] question. I figured that was correct, but I just wanted confirmation. Sorry for being suck a fuckin' idiot.

[sammy_g]

[ QUOTE ]
I frequently play in games that are loose - 5-8 people see the flop and will cold-call with anything. In other words, it is extremely hard to protect a hand like AA or KK by raising.

[/ QUOTE ]
This doesn't really address your question, but I feel compelled to point it out: AA and KK don't need protection. You want callers. In fact, you should be happy if EVERYONE calls. The reason you raise with these hands is simply to get more money in the pot.

[Tosh]

Theres no need to go nuts. I gave you serious advice, you can ignore it if you wish but I think it would be wise to follow it.

[sthief09]

why not read the book before asking this?

[WiredPear]

You're right, sorry about that. I think the problem is that I've read too much. I've probably read about a dozen books and you can get conflicting advice and it's just frustrating to try to assimilate it all.

The one concept that I struggle with is raising with these hands that ideally you want to v. few opponents, when no matter what you do 5 people will call. So, I get it now, I just wanted clarification.

[WiredPear]

I am reading this part of the book and I had that question. That's why I posted. Sorry for the thread.