Ax-suited a loser in loose limit games?

[noteye]

Every one is forgetting position, a-x plays very well when you act last, if you play ah- 7h and the flop is qs - 10h -7c no one bets and you act last you can take it right there with a small feeler bet. I would never play it early but late I really like it. But that is me

[CardSharkGames]

[ QUOTE ]
A5s-A2s make the wheel and also make unlikely trips; no shocker that they've got more value than A6s-A9s.

[/ QUOTE ]

In <u>Small Stakes Hold'em</u> (page 70), Sklansky says:

"Some players mistakenly conclude that A5s-A2s are better than A9s-A6s because they can make a wheel. While the wheel possibility is useful, it generally does not overcome the high card strength of the latter hands."

[GiantBuddha]

Axs can be profitable from any position in a loose game. To me the key to extracting value when you make aces is:

1) Know who will call you down with middle and bottom pair; value bet them mercilessly
2) Know who will limp with a big ace; don't give these players excess action
3) Know who will bet a draw or any pair on the flop and raise them (in position), bet the turn and check behind on the river. Out of position, I'll often check/call these players to let them bluff off their chips.
4) Know when you're beat or
5) Identify spots where you'll chop with hands as good as AJ or AQ: when the flop comes AKx, if x pairs or a running pair comes, you're choping any other ace. Very important.
6) Know the difference between A9 and A2. A2 is a one card hand. A9 beats A8. That's a lot of added value when you're getting calls on your bets.

[GiantBuddha]

Also, don't forget your straight draws:

1) Identify your double belly busters: A4 on a 357 board, etc.
2) Play your gutshots when you're getting the right odds.
3) A gutshot and an overcard may make your hand playable. It also may not. This depends largely on your opponent's strength and the way the hand is played.
4) Don't overvalue your one card straight draws. A8 on a 79T board is not a monster. Some people play it like it is. You have no implied odds and you may be chopping if you get there. That doesn't mean always fold, but be more cautious.
5) A gutshot, backdoor flushdraw, and an overcard is a lot of outs. Everything but the ace will probably get paid off handsomely, too, especially in a loose game.

[Little Wing]

[ QUOTE ]
A5s-A2s make the wheel and also make unlikely trips; no shocker that they've got more value than A6s-A9s.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would have thought so too, but according to pokerstars database of hands EV's are as follows

A9s .16
A8s .15
A5s .14
A4s .14
A7s .12
A2s .08
A3s .04
A6s .02