Ace With a Small Kicker

Aye, Ace little offsuit is a rag. Target players that aggressivly take them to showdown outside of the blinds, it's a big leak on a full no limit table.

Some random thoughts on Ace little suited from a scrub...

Only play it from a late position, otherwise you have a much greater risk of a late raise by a player with a hand that dominates yours. Never call a big pre-flop raise with one, you are sooo likely dominated. Furthmore, the stronger position means you're more likely to see or get a good idea on just how much that 4rth or 5th card is going to cost. This was a big leak in my game for a while as those late raises gladly took my post.

You're looking for 4 (or 5!) flush, trips on your little card or 2 pair. Pair of Aces weak kicker is trouble, but with late position you can see if anyone else puts in a claim on the Ace and consider a stab at the pot. Anything else is a bust.

If you get 2 pair and the other cards look safe (no possible flush (?) or likely strait, likely better 2 pair (K or Q), etc), make an aggressive stab at the pot. Go all in if that's what it takes. It's just too fragile of a hand to trap with, take the money while you're ahead (another hard learned mistake.) With any luck Ace big kicker will call and won't pair up his other card on the turn or river.

If you get your 4 flush after the flop it's a good hand to semi-bluff with if the table respects you (once again, the late position helps.) They'll usually put you on top Pair. If called you at least have the draw and probably will get them to check to you after the next card.

Also consider similar play for King little suited. 3 (or 4 or 5) out of 11 times the Ace will be on the board still giving you the nut flush. Furthermore, if there are only 3 of your suit on the board, there are very strong odds the Ace was burried or showed up in someone's hand unsuited.

If Lady Luck smiles upon you, you'll get your little trips or nut flush along with another player with a weaker kicker/high card. Very likely a big pot for you and a beat that makes the other guy want to pull their hair out.

Fnord, I'm glad you started a post on ace-little. It was fun doing the math behind the Ace With Small Kicker Essay. I always take note when I see someone playing ace-little offsuite from early position.

I know what you mean about having Kx suited. It is nice when the ace comes on board as part of the flush giving you the nut flush.

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Ace With a Small Kicker

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Ace With a Small Kicker