How good is KQ?

Originally Posted by MNMP2

How good of a hand is KQ, really. Both suited and unsuited. And I dont mean based on any charts or anything. I mean as far as how the hand holds up in real play, for the entire hand.

For instance, we all know that JJ is a top tier hand, but in real play, once that flop comes out - ugh. Many times you find yourself behind against somene that that had the balls to call your PFR with KT.

So how good is KQ, both suited and unsuited when it comes down to the hand playing out? Is it worth a PFR or calling 3-4xBB raise with to see the flop?

Depends on the situation, give us a couple of specific situations maybe?

Lets say middle stages of a MTT, you have an average stack and sitting in MP. Table tends to have a lot of limpers, maybe a 2-3xxbb raise here and there, with multiple callers.

So in MP, everyone has limped to me. Limp in with it?
What if UTG+1 minraises? Call it?
What if UTG+1 rasies 3xbb? Call?

1) raise
2) raise
3) fold

OK. Explain to me though.

I have this Harrington chart for tourneys that I consult when I'm playing, and that hand is not even listed to even consider playing in any position at any time. Folding this hand hasn't felt right to me in some instances, and that is why i ask. I am shocked to see RAISE associated with this. Can you explain? Is it just a difference in styles? Am I being WAY TOO conservative?

My feeling about KQ is that it is a good hand to play for TPGK. Buuuuut you have to be careful. That's why I like the raise - it gives me information when people play back at me. I see no reason to fold this hand against 0 resistance - it's TP potential and its nut str8 potential are there and in MP and later with limpers/folders behind I gotta think my hand is the best going to the flop. The only time I'll limp it is from the SB or BB. I'm sure there are others here who disagree but I won't fold this hand unless someone at my table makes it clear to me that I should.

I have to correct one statement I made on my reply.

KQ IS on the Harrington chart - I missed it.
So is KJ, QJ, so maybe I'll start playing those hands too - lol.

lol, I didn't think I was on my own on this one. BTW, be careful playing QJ. Just cause it looks pretty doesn't mean it is.

Gotta say i agree with the good hand scenario. You have to raise to get at least some information on this hand. Ok you fold in the face of stiff resistance preflop because as said your beat. The raise at least gives you some leniancy post flop no matter what face cards hit. Of course a flopped ace is trouble but again the raise, especialy in MTT play suggests you have two good face cards which may include an ace. Play and bet it, just know when to put it down.
Id take my chances with a player whos dumb enough to call the raise than i would trying to bet people out of draws who dont know the strength of my hand from preflop. Drawers wont respect the strength of your hand post flop imo if you havent raised. But obviously information is the key to use of this hand.

You did not specify the limits you are playing, in low limits KQ is a nice hand that needs to be played carefully, you are hoping to flop a str8 or TPGK.
I would limp from early-middle position, raise from late position if checked to me, fold if the pot is raised

King-Queen suited I limp early position.If raised behind me I call if at least one other person calls(I prefer 2-3 callers though to increse my pot odds).Offsuit I fold early position.

Mid and late position I limp(my personal favorite case,esp if it's suited).Late position if I'm first in I raise suited(esp) or unsuited.

Preflop-here's where it really does get tricky.You could easily hit one of them but be outkicked(or worse,run into someone slowplaying Cowboys or Rockets).I usually base wheter I continue playing it IF I hit a flush/straight draw with the former my preferred draw as well.

Essentially it does come down to the situation and what your personal comfort preference is.

KQs plays well multiways in NL.

-'rilla