Poker Strategy: Betting the Ace

Texas Holdem, Betting Strategy
February 4 2009

The ace is the most important card in the game of Texas Holdem. It is the highest in value, and therefore commands the most attention. A good percentage of the Holdem hands you’ll play will be won with top pair, and a pair of aces is the best pair you can get. Poker players like to play aces; most who have studied the game know that. Smart players will take advantage of the fact that aces are commonly played, and will be able to win pots with nothing in their hand when the proper opportunities present themselves.

If no one raised the bet pre-flop, and an ace comes on the flop, it’s a high percentage move to take a stab at the pot, representing that you have one. Since there was no raise, the chances of your opponents having one are reduced. If you get a caller you know that you’re most likely up against a pair of aces, or a draw, depending on the texture of the flop. But most won’t call you with K-Q or even a smaller pocket pair.

Another situation where you could bluff at an ace is if you’re on a draw and an ace hits the river. You missed your draw, but the ace will often strike fear in the other player in the hand because a pair of aces has him beat. It works best if there were two suited cards on the flop, because your opponent will put you on the A-suited of that suit. It’s a bold play that should only be attempted if that particular opponent is capable of getting off his hand.

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