The Value of Suited Aces in NL Hold 'Em

[elmitchbo]

suited aces are GOOD hands. i always here people say that you shouldn't play them, or if you do then you have to always fear a better ace. i disagree on both points.

a brief quiz from the EV charts...which hand has more EV preflop?

A9s or 99?
A4s or 44?
ATs 0r QJs?
ATs or T9s?
A5s or 66?
ATs or AQo?
A4s or 87s?


i hope you picked the suited ace everytime. suited aces are the 3rd best type of starting hand behind big pairs and big broadway cards. they're better hands than almost all small to medium pairs and almost all suited connectors.

if you are going to play any style other than an absolute rock 'i only raise with AA and KK' type of poker you need to play suited Aces.

i say play and occasionally raise with them from MP and LP, and call a decent raise if you limp. if an ace comes on the flop don't be afraid to bet out with no kicker.... aces don't grow on trees, so if you weren't reraised before the flop there is no reason to think you're beat.

the dailt pursuit of LAG mastery.
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