Post Flop with AK and AQ

AK and other big hands like AQ and AJ are commonly misplayed post flop. Often they will be the best hand preflop, but just as often not. Since they will usually need improvement to be the best hand at showdown, they are considered drawing hands. If these hands make a
pair on the flop good straight forward play will get the money.

But what about when they miss the flop? This creates a problem for most players in limit holdem since they will not make a pair on the flop 68% of the time. There are easy to use guidelines when the hand misses the flop that I have used for years. The following are all assuming the hand was raised with preflop. Also the hand did not improve by making a pair and has no drawing potential such as a flush or gut shot straight draw with two over cards. For the correct strategy on a flush or straight draw with hands like AK click here.

Short Handed Flops

By betting on the flop you will be able to better gauge an opponent if they show strength with a raise or check raise. If an opponent shows strength keep in mind that if they have a pair, two over cards (AK) will only win about 25% of the time. And if they have no pair and a draw they are still about 50% to win.

Playing hands like AK with no pair can be difficult since many sophisticated players will automatically try to steal against a preflop raiser when low cards fall. But most players usually have at least a draw or pair when they bet or raise. To fold is usually correct depending on the opponent. And even more so if out of position. But if you want the table to know you cannot be manipulated or ran over. You can bite the bullet and make a stand at the cost of a bet or two. This may actually be better in the long run since players will think twice about trying to take pots from you in the future. If you are not playing with these opponents for long and the pot is small, to fold is correct when someone shows strength. Turn and River

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The only time checking the turn would be correct is against a tight passive player who is not likely to bluff and will usually only continue with a hand of strength.

On the river the correct play will vary depending on position. If you have position on your opponent at the river, a bet will usually only be called by a superior hand like a pair. So the hand should be checked down unless a bet has any decent chance of getting an opponent to fold a superior hand.

If out of position this is a tough spot in holdem. The only thing that can be done is to pick the best of two choices that are not very profitable. I always tell myself, if I'm stuck with no obvious correct play, choose the aggressive one. So bet once more, this will keep the pressure on your opponent and not on you. If you don't win the pot you will at least have guaranteed yourself action on future hands.

Multi-Way Flops