For some reason I started thinking about this and I decided to post about this. Why are we 3-betting AK/AKs when generally all you're doing is getting out weaker hands (sc,AQ/AJ/, mid pp), do we not want to take a flop with these hands?

We're 3-betting in hopes of catching part of the flop or taking it down with a c-bet right? But aren't losing ALOT more when we c-bet and get raised over just because our c-bet has to be that much bigger because of how big the pot is pf?

I'll add more questions after this headache goes away.

b/c most ppl raise a huge range PF (like if you are 22/18 or a standard TAG) u are raising 56s+ 22+

flop is missing AK a ton, and the TAG is cbetting a ton. We usually cant call unless we hit a big draw, or have a good read (when we didnt pair).

Raising PF ends this. Although I am strongly agisnt 100% 3 betting AK always. Mainly i raise AK for value b/c a ton of hands are calling: SCs, PPs, Ax, etc...

Maybe u should start smooth calling AA and KK too?

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Also, AQ/AJ/AT will call a ton when you 3bet them and they'll struggle when the ace hits. You build the pot enough to make people make mistakes postflop.

Often if you call pf a load of folk will call behind and that gets tough when you're in a 4 way pot when a K hits and you get a huge raise. 3betting pf will make it easier.

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But we want the pot to be heads up/not multiway with those hands.

Also, do people generally 3-bet more or less when in position?

I think people call more in position with their pairs/SC's etc. When OOP you tend to want to take control a bit more so you'll see "lighter" 3bets I suppose.

As far as cold calling AA/KK, I'd like folk to think I'm doing similar stuff with AK as I am with AA/KK so I'd react the same with both (obv depending on the opponent).

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Paging wota for short response that makes perfect sense about why 3betting AK is goooooood

i don't agree with this statement here. I find that I still get called a lot by small-mid high pps, sc's and the like.

yea man, i wish i could get AQ and 88 and such to fold to my 3bets.

obv it's player dependent, but in general with AK I'm calling a good bet in position and 3betting when OOP. Like David said, if I'm in a positional disadvantage I'm looking to make up for it with aggression. The flop doesn't miss all that often, 1/3 of the time you're going to have TPTK, and many other situations you can make a solid cbet expecting a fold based on flop texture (monotone flops, connected flops, etc).

But again, the main focus is the player type. If it's a super LAG I may 3bet in position and if it's a total tightwad I may adjust my play as well.

imo


edit: here's a 2+2 link on the subject that may be worth reading for more opinions

The 2+2 Forum Archives: How often do you RR with AK.