If you were leading(which you're not in this case) I would bet it fairly strong, if another ace is not there, you are likely to take the pot right there. A $2 bet doesn't say much, depends what stakes you are playing with and whats in the pot to say whether that is a strong bet or not. If its a small bet based on the pot size and game, it could be 2nd or 3rd pair testing the water to see if an ace is out there. You don't want to get in too deep with a small kicker, play is either to call if its cheap or come over the top and test the others, J or 8 pair likely folds, any A likely beats you because of your tiny kicker, so play back to your raise should mean a lay down for you.
AJ is very weak in that situation. Maybe worth it if suited.
If I have a pair aces with weak kicker and I am leading, I always come out swinging with more than a minimum bet in a NL game. More often then not, nobody else has aces and you take the pot. And even if they do, you won't get raised. If you do get raised, you are beat and should get out.
If not leading, I will raise to test the strength of the first bet. More often then not, they fold unless they have AK or AQ, thinking THEY are outkicked.
If I have a pair aces with weak kicker and I am leading, I always come out swinging with more than a minimum bet in a NL game. More often then not, nobody else has aces and you take the pot. And even if they do, you won't get raised. If you do get raised, you are beat and should get out.
If not leading, I will raise to test the strength of the first bet. More often then not, they fold unless they have AK or AQ, thinking THEY are outkicked.
Dante,
There are 2 many variables in this question to have a solid answer. What happens before the flop and who am I playing? Tight, Loose, Agg, Pass players? If a tight player riases b4 the flop I am never in it with A4.
Are u limping/raising in UTG or in early postion with a A4? That not a good idea. I would not play this hand in mid postion either unless short handed table.
If I raise preflop on the button b4 the flop and i get a Ace I will fire into the pot. If i get riased I will either fold or call depending on the situation. If I call I will attempt to check it to the showdown unless I improve.
If u are willing to put you money in the pot with a4 then u must be willing to bet when a ace falls. I mean why would pay to see a flop and then fold when u flop top pair. If you are not then you should never been in the pot.
There are 2 many variables in this question to have a solid answer. What happens before the flop and who am I playing? Tight, Loose, Agg, Pass players? If a tight player riases b4 the flop I am never in it with A4.
Are u limping/raising in UTG or in early postion with a A4? That not a good idea. I would not play this hand in mid postion either unless short handed table.
If I raise preflop on the button b4 the flop and i get a Ace I will fire into the pot. If i get riased I will either fold or call depending on the situation. If I call I will attempt to check it to the showdown unless I improve.
If u are willing to put you money in the pot with a4 then u must be willing to bet when a ace falls. I mean why would pay to see a flop and then fold when u flop top pair. If you are not then you should never been in the pot.
Good reason for most people never to play A weak in a NL game. This very situation will come up countless times and since you have no idea where you are at chances are you will make mistakes.
I think playing hands with bad kickers is the reason why most online games remain relatively good at the lower limits. Players have stopped playing trash as much as they used to, but playing hands with weak kickers or any two suited cards remains the one leak you can exploit. The fact that they play these hands is also the reason why you have to be aggressive after the flop, especially in limit. Make sure you gain all your value from outkicking your opponents, its a huge part of your long-term expectation.
I think playing hands with bad kickers is the reason why most online games remain relatively good at the lower limits. Players have stopped playing trash as much as they used to, but playing hands with weak kickers or any two suited cards remains the one leak you can exploit. The fact that they play these hands is also the reason why you have to be aggressive after the flop, especially in limit. Make sure you gain all your value from outkicking your opponents, its a huge part of your long-term expectation.
a4 is a losing hand in general. Unless you are forced in as a blind or priced in from late position you generally are better off not playing the hand because of the position you put yourself in once the flop hits an ace and you have to decide if you are outkicked.
If you are forced in or decide to play a4 and you are faced with some pressure you have to decide if the player who is betting is trying to steal the pot or is a tight player who probably has you drawing to one of your 4's.
If you are forced in or decide to play a4 and you are faced with some pressure you have to decide if the player who is betting is trying to steal the pot or is a tight player who probably has you drawing to one of your 4's.
