Since this is my first post, I'll use a few words to introduce myself. I have been playing poker now for over two years, but only at very low levels ($0.01/$0.02, NL, Hold 'em, 8-10 players). I have played just under 20,000 hands and turn a small but steady profit. I am mathematically very capable and have a logical mindset. I believe my poker play to be disciplined, tight and aggressive (The discipline took a while!) The rooms I usually play in tend to have players who will see the flop when dealt any ace or king, medium-high pairs and medium-high suited connectors.

I have prepared a database of hands that I win and lose with, to see areas of weakness in my play and to try and come up with ways of improving. Now that I have played a substantial number of hands I have concluded that I am struggling to turn a profit when dealt a middle card (10/J/Q) with a high kicker (A/K), especially in middle position. Below is my current "default" strategy for a table matching the description above, I would greatly appreciate any comments or advice, even for the positions where I am currently profitable.

Early position
In early position I tend to raise (2-4x), which usually causes most people to fold, occasionally with one player remaining. I typically come out betting if I've received a flat call to my raise for two reasons: 1) To see how strong my opponent's hand is; and 2) To prevent giving a free card which may weaken my hand on the turn. I'll then fold to a raise and give my cards up on the turn if I am called. My strategy is profitable in this position, folding to any pre-flop re-raises.

Mid position
Generally, if I have a "middle hand" in "middle position" then I'll fold. I frequently find these hands to be a recipe for disaster. Any bets ahead of me show too much strength and the risk of raises behind me usually require a fold. I have remained consistently unprofitable with this class of hands. I now throw them away before the flop because I am unsure what else to do with them.

Late position
In late position I raise (2-4x) as I want to win the hand before the flop, to prevent my hand being weaken on the turn. If I get re-raised I usually fold, fearing over pairs, but occasionally call to keep the strength of my raise intact. I know this call is not mathematically correct, but it keeps me at the table with an air of strength. I'll give up my hands quickly on the flop when facing a bet, unless I am given the correct pot odds for a draw. In late position I also remain profitable with these hands.

Let me know what you think!

@KnightofNarg

1)Are we talking about AQ-AT and KT-KQ? Why do you vary your raise size? And why does it sound like you're more willing to bet early/late position, but tighter middle position?

We are talking about AJ, AT, A9, and KJ. My raise size depends on the players at the table and what the standard pre-flop raise is. Sometimes raising 2x results in a call from everyone and a larger raise is required to be effective at getting the majority of people to fold.

I am willing to bet more readily in early position because it allows for a semi-bluff. I may win the pot immediately, certainly cut down my opposition and gain information about the strength of those who are left in the pot. I also have a clear strategy for the flop here, if I raise and get called pre-flop, even if I miss the board I bet in order to learn how strong my opponent's hand is. Checking would immediately reveal my hand. Long term, I have found this to be a profitable play.

In late position, I have a chance to see what other players have done and I'll raise to push out limpers who are hoping to hit draws or find a set. I am also last to act on the flop, allowing an easy fold if there is too much action before me. Again, on the flop, I have a clear strategy: if no one bets, and the board isn't dangerous, I bet to prevent giving a free card to anyone on a draw. If there is too much action before me and I've missed the board, I give up my cards. This play is also profitable for me.

In middle position I don't feel comfortable betting with these hands as, on the flop, I'll likely be one of the first to act, and if I miss the board I am not in a position to come out betting. I also don't like a simple flat call, unless my pot odds warrant it, which is rarely the case. This is where I most need advice.

2. Good point. While I agree with the premise we want better hands to fold and lesser hands to call (As Sklanksky also mentions in A Theory of Poker), I have found it worthwhile with these specific hands (AJ, AT, KJ, KT) to bet if in early position, following a pre-flop raise, especially when the flop yields potential draws. By limiting the pot odds of my opponents by betting, any call from a drawing hand is a mistake and I make a gain in the long term (even if I happen to lose that particular hand; also Sklanksky)

3. Again another excellent point. One thing I have read, however, is that the strongest hands (AA, KK, QQ) fare much better against fewer people. Raising with these hands cuts down the field, increasing the expected value of the hands by reducing the risk of running in to trips etc. What do you think?

Thank you for taking the time to write that passage. It's much appreciated!

@Aces-o-8s

You are correct, cash games only so far. Thanks for your advice too. I understand that as I improve I'll be able to mix up my play a bit more. I notice you say I sound like I show a lot of caution and a lack of confidence. I think you are correct, to a point, I don't like to find myself going in to a betting round not really knowing where I am and my natural instinct is usually to fold and get away from the pot! I am cautious with my betting, but when I have a hand I think is the best I try to make the most out of those guys who keep calling no matter what and bet more aggressively into draws.

One thing I don't do enough, I believe, is flat call. If I'm in a pot I like to be in control as far as possible, i.e. leading the betting in early position or raising in late position. If I call it's because I have a very strong hand or the nuts, because I'm trying to extract as much money as possible from my opponents. I currently get involved in 18% of pots and, usually, enter these pots with a raise or a check (from BB). Occasionally, I'll call a moderate hand (low pair, high connectors) pre-flop if lots of players are already in the pot, as I'm likely to be getting favourable implied odds.

I haven't done much exploration in to ranges and exploitation, can you suggest any resources which may be useful?

Your results certainly seem to encourage playing with suited connectors. I'm surprised by the large differences in your profitability with AJ and AT suited and offsuit. Presumably you run into a lot of K/Q high flushes with the nuts? I'll have to loosen up in this area from now on.

I used to watch a program in the UK which was on each night for two years called Poker Night Live. It was a television show where you saw real cash games being played on line with expert commentary and the odd WSOP guest offering their wisdom. It really was an invaluable resource and a great shame it's no longer on air. They often speculated whether or not playing a pair of cards just because they were suited was really profitable. They never reached a final conclusion, but usually their advice was that if you were going to use a flush draw as a potential out, you better be damn sure your flush is the best one out there! I guess this explains your success with AXs over AXo.