OK. So I've had mixed feelings on how, and when, I should be playing A/K aggresively pre-flop and post-flop. I think one situation is leading to another and I'm making mistakes based on previous hands. I find myself drifting back to my old style of playing which is simply grinding it out until I have hands...or I think I have them. This seems to be happening quite often not only with A/K but with other hands as well but A/K had a bunch of different situations today and once again i'm continuing my downward slope. I also seem to be losing a lot more with A/K o/s than A/K suited. Here are some examples of the hands I lost today with A/K all being played @ $0.25/0.50 short-handed:
Example 1. I'm in CO with A/K o/s with no action to me and I raise 3xBB to $1.50. the SB calls and everyone else is out. Flop comes 6/7/9 with 2 clubs. Check to me and I c-bet $2.50 into $3.50 pot (maybe a $0.50 too small). SB calls, turn comes 9, we both check. River hits an A and SB bet's $3 into $8.50 pot so I have to call and she flips 8/9 o/s winning with trip 9's. Maybe I should've raised more preflop?
Example 2. I'm in BB with A/K o/s with no action to Button (solid player but can also make moves) who raises 4xBB to $2. I decided to re-raise to $7.50 being out of position to take the pot right there and he re-raises to $22.50 and I decided to fold. Maybe I should've just called to see the flop?
Example 3. I'm on the button with A/K o/s and UTG (aggresive player) raises 4xBB to $2. Everyone folds to me and I re-raise to $6. Action back to UTG and he re-raises to $16.50 and I elect to just call. Flop comes down 9/7/J with two spades and UTG bets $26 into $33.75 pot and I fold. Again, maybe I should've just called PF to see the flop?
Example 4. I'm in the CO with A/K suited and since all these hands happened today I'm getting a little nervous about playing A/K. UTG (aggresive player) Raises 4xBB to $2 and I decide to just call. Everyone folds, the flop comes Q/Q/4, UTG checks to me and I also check. The turn comes a 10 and check, check. The river comes a 9 and check, check and UTG turns over A/10. Clearly at this point I'm just playing way to tight because of the way the other hands had played out. Maybe I should've re-raised PF to take it down there or at least after the flop?
I had some other hands that I misplayed with A/K in the last day but those are my main examples. Any help would be appreciated as I'm getting slightly frustrated and would like to start winning again. Overall, I've won 75% and $95 with A/K suited and won 64% with A/K o/s but lost $111. Maybe I should make a decision that I should re-raise PF everytime with A/K suited and just call with A/K regardless of previous hands? Or, only re-raise with both hands if I'm in position to see a flop? If I re-raise and get re-raised should I fold or push depending on position and player strength (if known)?
Thanks Guys.
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1 comment:
A few comments:
Example 1: I would say that you didn't make a terrible call on the river because top 2 pair top kicker is good. Definitely hard to get away from. However, the board is dangerous because it fits many hands. A person who calls your c-bet on the flop probably has one of the following:
a - have top pair (weak)
b - are on straight draw or flush draw.
c - already have the straight and is allowing you to catch up.
In this case they had a and b making it a very good call for them. They make the bet on the river knowing that you have big cards or a big pair. The Ace was a perfect card for them on the river. It allowed you to catch up thus making their value bet pay off. Definitely tough to get away from this one.
Example 2: You probably made the right play here except I might have re-raised a little less, maybe $6.50. You are still making your point the same as if you raised to $7.50 but can save a $1 if re-raised. Definitely need to fold to a re-raise with AK in this spot. I doubt he re-raise with anything less than AA, KK, or AK.
Example 3: If the guy is aggressive to the point where he is a maniac and playing way too many hands, then you could have re-raised him all-in when he made it $16.50. You are getting correct pot odds if he calls and has QQ or lower, likely that he has that if his range is wide. Also, you do have a chance of taking it down right there if there is enough fold equity for him. Both things considered, this is the correct play. If your wrong or get out drawn, you'll just have to accept the loss and wait for another opportunity.
Example 4: Yep, you have to raise him pre-flop. Don't let people move you off of the correct strategy. You are in position here and can take control.
I say all this but I routinely make the same mistakes. the mental aspect really takes a toll. When things aren't going your way, take a 15 minute break. If it happens for a few days in a row, take a day off. I play much better after I had some time to clear my head after things go south.
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