Ace with low kicker

**imoapie** · 10-07-2004

While playing online one day, I was wondering what a pro does with Ace and low kicker. I mean in my head i'm thinking I have an ace thus the highest card. However, the low kicker sends a warning and memories of being outkicked. So I think to myself, should I lay down that A5 or do I call and see what happens? Most of the time I call with an ace regardless but recently it got me thinking should I be folding?

**Beavis68** · 10-07-2004

It depends on the pro and the table, but usually A-with a kicker below 10 is useless.

**Shade** · 10-07-2004

I suspect most pros will only play AK or AQ unless they get something else in the blind or are trying to make a steal from near the button. Especially in a tournament situation.

In the Cloutier book that I reviewed for this site, TJ makes the statement that even SUITED, he'd never play something like A6 or A8 at a full table. He'll play a suited A5 or less because it can make both a wheel straight and the nut flush, but he's not hoping to play it and hit the ace. So he's looking to get into a pot where there's lots of people seeing the flop cheap, where one or more people have lots of chips to win if he hits it big, and he's looking for why he should fold it (rather than why he should play it) if only the ace hits.

Even if you catch 2 pair, you've got to dodge the minefield of the player with the higher kicker catching his 2 pair or the board pairing higher than your low kicker. Needless to say, either of those scenarios can be mighty expensive on the ol' bankroll.

**the alex** · 10-07-2004

Originally Posted by imoapie

I mean in my head i'm thinking I have an ace thus the highest card.

This statement has fish written all over it and I mean this in a constructive manner, not a harrassing manner.

Originally Posted by imoapie

However, the low kicker sends a warning and memories of being outkicked.

There's a very good reason why I always say that I'd rather take a bad beat than get outkicked and you answer your own question right here.

Originally Posted by imoapie

Most of the time I call with an ace regardless but recently it got me thinking should I be folding?

This is the reason. Taking a bad beat is a moment where I can tell myself, "It's all one long session." But getting outkicked is the realization that I never should seen this flop in the first place. You can see plenty of hands in a couple of hours online. Your A8 won't define more session in a good way than a bad way. I'd rather play 67s than A8 because I know my cards are live and when I play it, I'm getting good odds on the pot as is or in a multiway raised pot, my implied odds are monstrous and dropping my hand is easy because if I hit top pair, there's no reason for me to be married to it.

**imoapie** · 10-07-2004

Thanks everyone that replied, I used to play anything with an ace but recently I've become more experienced I guess since I don't play such hands. It is funny now that I look at it and see how my play has changed. Some of the things I used to play now just make me laugh. Just to give you guys an idea, I've been playing for 1 year.

**eclinchy** · 10-07-2004

Here's a good list to peruse if you want to learn good starting hands.

Group 1: AA KK QQ JJ AKs
Group 2: TT AK AQs AJs KQs
Group 3: AQ 99 ATs KJs QJs KTs
Group 4: 88 AJ KQ QTs A9s JTs AT A8s
Group 5: KJ 77 QJ KT QT JT A7s K9s Q9s T9s J9s
Group 6: 66 55 44 33 22 A5s A6s A4s A3s A2s

If it's not on this list, don't bother.

**Announced Tilt** · 10-07-2004

Aces with low kicker is not a very good hand. Pretty much anything lower than AT is garbage PF. And, I normally play AT only if it's suited. I will play A2-5 if it is suited, however. More often not, you will get outkicked by the guy with AK, or AQ.

**eclinchy** · 10-07-2004

Play any suited ace unless you're out of position or it's raised. If a lot of people limp into the pot, you're getting great odds to see a flop and hope for your flush.

**Announced Tilt** · 10-07-2004

Yes, but if you don't hit for your flush, but you hit the Ace, you could be in big trouble. You will get the false sense of security with your A8, but most likely someone will come over the top with their AK. Hence, the problem he is in now.

**bonchkid** · 10-07-2004

Why is that a problem? Check/fold

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