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Pocket Aces - how to play them

By Stanley Majors

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Poker Aces refers to two aces dealt pre-flop. It is the strongest possible pre-flop hand in Texas Holdem Poker. But despite this many players find themselves on the losing end when dealt this hand.

When you're dealt a pair of Aces, you just don't fold pre-flop. You're sitting with the best possible hand at this stage of the game. So how do you bet with Poker Aces ? Do you simply go all-in? I'd say no to that.

Remember, you're trying to produce as much profit out of this strong position. You want to maximise the opportunity. Going all-in will simply scare most players into folding without placing a bet.

If you're in the early position (first or second to bet), you'll place a single bet. Anyone with a decent hand will call, hopefully someone might raise. If there has been a raise don't jump to re-raise or call, pause for a short while – make them think you're considering your options and then call.

After the flop your strategy will be to eliminate anyone that could get a straight or a flush. So I would begin to raise aggressively, if you're lucky you'll trick one player into believing that you're bluffing.

If you're in the middle or late position (one of the last to bet) you'll watch as everyone calls and then raise. Even though you're sitting with a pair of aces, if possible try to avoid a show-down. Protect your hand by forcing others to fold after the flop. If you don't drive out your opponents you risk losing your hand.

Here are a few things to remember of when betting on poker aces:

Firstly, you have the early advantage over every other player – use it to maximise your profit.

Secondly, if you find that an opponent hastily calls your aggressive bets – you may have already lost your advantage to someone with Three of a Kind, a Flush or a Straight.

Thirdly, if you're too aggressive pre-flop you're basically advertising that you're sitting with a high pair and this will scare most players out of that round.

Written by Stanley Majors
Stanley Majors is an experienced online poker journalist who writes articles on a range of poker topics.

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