The Countdown Continues...
Given the importance of knowing how to play A-K, I am going to review what some authors suggest. I will start with Harrington using his book Harrington on Hold'em Volume II pages 234-238.
Harrington on A-K
Example #1:
Middle stage of a major event.
60 players left. 30 players get paid.
Blinds at $150-$300 and $50 ante
You have $37,000...which puts you in the top 10.
You get A-K unsuited. Raise to $1,200. The player in the cutoff raises to $5,000, leaving him $6,200 behind. It is folded back to you. What should you do?
Answer:
You want to move all-in or fold since you will see all 5 cards and get the most value out of your cards. This is especially important when you are out of position, your opponent is short-stacked and pot committed.
Fold. While you are getting a fair price on your bet, it will cost you 30% of your stack at a time when your chip situation is comfortable. Wait for a more favorable situation.
Example #2:
Same situation. Except your opponent has a bigger stack of $16,200 when he made the $5,000 re-raise.
Answer:
Here either fold or call since you are taking the worst of it if your A-K is up against a pair.
Call. Against the super-tight player, it is right to fold.
Example #3:
Same situation. Except your opponent has a smaller stack of $8,200 when he made the $5,000 re-raise.
Answer:
Move all-in. Your pot odds will be 1.5 to 1; which is good enough to go all the way with A-K and your stack is in better shape if you lose.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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2 comments:
I usually fold that against tight players and call against loose numb nuts
That is a good approach.
However, there are times when it's a new player at the table and you don't have a clue as to his playing style.
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