Many aggressive poker players like to bet just about any time they get an ace in their hand. And it usually doesn’t matter to them what the other card they’re holding is as long as that ace is there. Their reasoning is that an ace is the best card in the deck so it gives them an excuse to bet out in an attempt to scare other players. However, there’s a big difference between holding A-Q and A-3 which is only the first thing you need to consider when playing A-x.
Another thing you need to look at when you’re dealt a single ace is where you are on the table. Playing A-5 in late position after other people have limped in isn’t such a bad decision, but playing the same drawing hand in early position is a sure way to lose money over the long run. And never make the decision to play this type of hand in early position just because it’s suited.
When you do decide to play A-x suited, or any kind of ace hand where you’re drawing for a straight, make sure not to overvalue your hand. Committing half of your stack to the pot just because you’re drawing for a nut flush is not a good idea so you’ve got to try and control the pot with checks, calls, and small bets.
The key thing is that you don’t want to pay too much to see flops with just a single ace in your hand. If you do get a drawing hand then just remember to keep the pot within a reasonable range. But if you can’t get in the hand for cheap then fold your ace hand unless you are holding A-K. A-K is a solid hand because it gives you a shot at two top pairs and has the ability to net you a straight as well.
This is a great article. One thing I would have liked to see in here is talk about table size. I believe a single ace hand can obviously be stronger in shorter handed 4 or fewer or expecially heads up.6-10 people table ace rag just asking to get busted.
Position is key and if you pair your weak ace on flop and get raised significantly at anytime post flop fold
as you are probably up against a better kicker or two pair.