How to play pocket aces (AA) in Hold'em
Pocket aces (AA) are the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em. You get them only once every 221 hands (about 0.45%), so play them to win a big pot: always raise or re-raise preflop, keep betting on safe boards, and slow down when the board gets scary and your opponent shows strength.
How strong are aces?
Section titled “How strong are aces?”| AA against | AA wins about |
|---|---|
| A random hand | 85% |
| K-K | 82% |
| A-K offsuit | 93% |
| 8-7 suited | 77% |
Aces are the favourite against every hand, but they still lose about one time in five against a pair. Losing with aces is normal; it’s not bad luck if it happens now and then.
Preflop
Section titled “Preflop”- Nobody has raised: raise, about 2.5–3 big blinds online.
- Someone raised: re-raise (3-bet), about 3 times their bet.
- Facing a 3-bet: 4-bet or go all-in if stacks are short.
- Don’t limp (just call the big blind). It lets many players in cheaply, and aces do worse against several opponents.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Dry board (K-7-2): bet for value; your opponent may have a king.
- Wet board (J♥ 10♥ 9♣): bet to protect your hand but be ready to slow down if you face big raises.
- Board with four to a straight or flush: one pair is often not enough. Check or call small bets.
- Against one opponent, aces are much stronger than in a multiway pot.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Slow-playing preflop and letting four players see a cheap flop.
- Never folding aces, even when the board and the betting say you’re beaten.
- Betting too small after the flop and missing value.
- Tilting after losing with aces. Read about bankroll management.
See also starting hands and value betting.
How often do you get pocket aces?
Section titled “How often do you get pocket aces?”Once every 221 hands on average, about 0.45% of the time.
How often do pocket aces win?
Section titled “How often do pocket aces win?”About 85% against a random hand and about 82% against pocket kings, all-in preflop.
Should you slow-play pocket aces?
Section titled “Should you slow-play pocket aces?”Usually not preflop. Raise or re-raise to build a pot and keep the number of opponents low.
Can you fold pocket aces?
Section titled “Can you fold pocket aces?”Yes, after the flop, when the board and heavy betting show that one pair is very likely beaten.