QQ vs AM

[Peleus]

I'm shoving this preflop instead of calling. When you call, what are you trying to achieve?

There are two main goals I can think of, a) A low flop, which is the result you got. b) A Q on the flop.

Only reason I can think of for not shoving preflop is either you're worried about it being KK+ and you're dominated, or for value you're trying to extract more. I think if you're worried about AA/KK then getting your first goal won't help you at all, you're still in the same spot with the same choice, only way you can improve by calling is trying to spike a queen, essentially turning QQ into a set mining hand.

If Villain has AK then calling pre flop lets them see the flop, and bet when he has you beat, or fold when you have him beat, you won't get value out of it. Again neither of your goals for calling preflop help you when you are against that hand.

Of course it can also get you in the situation when a Axx or AKx flop comes, in which case you're in horrible shape.

Shoving preflop sets up an easy decision for you (I'm not saying you should make wrong choices because they are easy), maximizes against this range, if you are planning on getting it all in on a low flop anyway.

Calling is just going to bring a flop that hurts you against their range, rather then help you, a hell of a lot more.