Hold’em Strategy. When To Play A Suited Ace

Holdem Strategy: When To Play A Suited Ace

An ace in hold’em is a powerful card, the strongest in the deck. Everyone knows that pocket aces are the best hand. However, what about a single ace? One problem many players have is that they are willing to go to war with any ace, even in big events such as the WSOP, including a hand like A2 (many players consider A6 to in fact be the worst ace, since it is the lowest ace that cannot also make a straight). This is often a big mistake because other players are also playing their aces. If an ace flops, it will be difficult to get away even when you are outkicked.

What if your A6 is suited? When is it appropriate to play a suited ace?

Big Suited Ace

You can play a big suited ace, such as AK, AQ or AJ suited, almost any time from any position. If you are faced with an all-in decision before the flop, you are heads up and you have many chips to lose, you may want to consider folding AQ or AJ suited. In some situations, you will muck AK as well, but remember that you are only badly behind to AA or KK in these situations.

Small Suited Ace

Hands like Ah 5h or Ad 3d really have their value in that you are hoping to flop a straight, two pair or the nut flush draw. You should try to see a flop cheaply with these hands rather than to go crazy with them before the flop, unless you are short stacked. An ace on the flop is not that good for you. You can contest the pot, but if you encounter serious resistance, you should fold.

Other Suited Aces

Again, hands like Ah 8h, Ad 7d or As 6s have little high card value. It is tempting to play deep into a hand when you flop an ace with one of these holdings. However, in most cases, someone who is willing to play with you has a bigger ace. If you don’t flop a flush or flush draw or two pair, generally throw this hand away to any show of serious strength.