Pocket Aces - Slow Play Or All-in?
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Pocket Aces - Slow Play Or All-in?

By: Megan Lexington

So, we all know the feeling - after being dealt the hole cards, your heart starts beating faster because you have aces, also known as pocket rockets! Great, the best possible starting hand in Texas hold em poker, you are only likely to be dealt them every one in 221 - so use them wisely. So the big debate is how to play them? Everyone has their own opinion and will tell you they are right. From slow playing and tricking other opponents, to pushing all in pre-flop -each way of playing has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, there are a few circumstances and situations when you should consider playing along specific guidelines in order to maximize your potential earnings as well as cut your losses.


All in Pre-Flop


As tempting as it may seem to reach for the slider or push all your chips over the table calling all-in within a matter of seconds, you should always consider several factors in the game. Firstly, what position are you in? Has anyone called or raised behind you? If you are the first person to act, or perhaps no one has called behind you, then pushing all in may be a dangerous move. After all, you have the best hand you do not want to scare everyone off and waste your pocket rockets. In addition, you should consider your table image - have you been folding almost every hand? Then smart players will be sure not to call you when you suspiciously push All-in. If however you have been mixing up your play, raising and calling all manner of cards then you will have a better chance of being called by another player. Also, consider your own stack size. If it is very limited and the blinds are eating you up you should be pushing all-in with this hand as well as more marginal hands too.


Slow Playing


Some people enjoy slow playing their aces to lure other players into a trap. This can work pre-flop if you flat call then someone else further round the table pushes all in thinking you are holding a low hand. However, it can be a dangerous move to make, as by flat calling, you are letting other low hands in, giving them the chance to catch something like a straight or a flush. Remember although you have the best starting hand possible if there are four or more players playing in the pot then you are no longer favorite to win. Also by not raising, you are not building the pot up, leaving you with less money then you deserve if you do win.


So the verdict? Again, how to play aces is such a personal choice, the benefits of each are clear to see. However, a small-mid size raise will push out low or marginal hands and keep those with high pairs still interested as well as help to build your pot. I think the best advice someone can give is not to always abide by the rules and do as some book says. Nevertheless, consider all things including the blinds, stack sizes, playing styles, table image and of course, your own gut instinct and you should know what to do. Good luck!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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