Re: Playing AJs
HH = hand history
AJs is definitely strong enough to play in the game you described (.25/.50 full ring).
You should be raising with it when first in the pot, even in early position. (AJo is probably a fold in EP btw)
Players at these stakes are typically very loose and will call the raise with trash hands, which is exactly what you want. You're building a big pot in which you most likely have an equity edge.
If the game is exceptionally tight (which would be odd for a .25/.50 game) then you'd might want to wait till MP and just fold it in EP.
If you flop a top pair type hand stay aggressive. It's best to be aggressive. You'll haul in much bigger pots when your hand holds up. Free cards are a big no no. Being aggressive costs you extra bets here and there when you lose, being passive costs you whole pots frequently.
If you encounter resistance you very well might have to go into check/call mode. The pot is frequently too big to fold by time you realize you are probably behind.
If the board is extremely dangerous and there are still lots of people in the hand you can safely fold, especially if you ever have to call more than 1 bet at a time.
AJs can be a hand easily dominated against tougher opponents (you'll find yourself paying off AQ and AK) but you should be noting who the tight players are vs. loose players.
If a tight player cold calls or reraises you and you got AJs, and the flop comes Axx or Jxx and he continues to hammer, the odds of him having you beat are very good.
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