Playing Premium / Strong Hands in Hold'em

Strategy for the Strongest Hands in Online Poker Games

What is not to like about being dealt a pair of aces in Texas Holdem? This hand, along with kings, queens and ace-king – can be considered a rare ‘premium starting hand’. This page covers the key factors to think about for a new player when considering how to get the most value from these hands.

I have covered aces separately first below. As the best hand of all these can get you into some troublesome spots – as well as help you to win huge pots. Kings and queens are covered next, along with the question of what to do if an ace flops. Finally, the trickiest premium hand of all – ace-king is discussed – before some final notes on mistakes you will see your opponents making with these types of hand.

Playing Aces in Texas Holdem

Many new players make a mistake with pocket aces. They are so worried about everyone folding, that they play these too ‘slowly’ (cautiously). What can happen is you end up with 4 or more players seeing the flop – and then have no idea what kind of speculative hands have hit and which have missed post-flop.

I recommend you play aces strongly, raising and reraising. While this is the strongest starting hand, a lot can change on the flop. The ideal way to play them is to get as much money as possible into the pot before the flop – and to be heads-up against a single opponent where possible. If you get tricky and the flop comes down jack-ten-queen of one suit, those times the betting gets big post-flop you are not likely to be the one scooping the pot.

There are times you can limp or bet small with aces before the flop. This is when there are one or more predictably aggressive players still to act. You are taking the risk that they will reraise and you will be able to 4-bet to get a decent chunk of your stack in before the flop comes.

Against passive opponents who will go too far with their over-pair and 1-pair hands on the flop – aces can make you a lot of money. When a nitty player wakes up raising on the river, you need to be aware that aces are not always a through-ticket to a double-up – and you may even need to fold them.

Kings and Queens

I recommend playing both these hands strongly before the flop – once again avoiding the temptation to play them slowly and end up in a multi-way pot. Occasionally, you will run into aces, though that should happen enough in reverse (when you have the aces) to balance out over time.

New players can get into trouble with these hands when an overcard hits the flop. This is the tendency of an ace to show up, at the exact moment you do not want to see one!

If there are several players seeing the flop, I recommend caution at the lower buy-ins – the chances are someone has one. With 1 or 2 opponents, and the lead before the flop, a continuation bet is in order. Betting a half to 3/4ths of the pot will often win the hand right there. If you are called, then try to get to showdown as cheaply as possible. If your opponent is known bluffer, you might call a bet (especially if you are out of position and your bluffing opponent reads your check as weakness).

I would be less worried about a king flopping holding queens. The fact that there are two potential overcards makes it more important to thin the field pre-flop.

Playing Ace-King

No other hand trips up beginning players like Ace-King. This is a super-strong starting hand, though it does need to connect with the board to win a big pot at showdown. Fortunately, there are two high cards – and a pair of either is great news. You will also find that when you pair the ace, opponents with ace-queen or ace-jack will often have a hard time folding.

I recommend you avoid the temptation to play ace-king passively. Instead of calling bets and trying to hit a flop, you should be the player making the last bet before the flop. Having the betting lead gives you the chance to take down a pot when you miss as well as those times you hit. When your flop bet does get called, you will still have 2 streets where it is possible to hit your cards – giving you even more chances to win.

Opponent Tendencies with Premium Starting Hands

One of the easiest reads for new players is to spot opponents who always limp with their aces and kings. If you see this, then make a note immediately – that information is potentially very profitable. Many players raise most starting hands, and then worry about losing ‘customers’ for their aces, and limp those. This means that when you see them raise, you know that they do not hold aces (and kings, depending on the player). You now have the opportunity to put pressure on them after the flop.

You will also find players who raise a lot, though will only re-raise (3-bet) with premium hands. Again, make a note. If stacks are deep enough you can call with many speculative hands. You know that if you hit the flop hard (for example a set) then you can win a huge pot from them after the flop.