How to play an ace king, also known as the "big slick"

Although online Holdem Poker sees you dealt hands far faster than playing live, strong hands still dont always come around that often. Therefore you need to make the most of one when you do get one.

The Big Slick

Ace-king (AK) is a great starting hand, but it can also be very easy to get caught out when playing this hand. Thats why its called the big slick  its a slippery customer so handle it with care.

Understand that AK is powerful against one or two opponents, but once you get three or more in the hand its like putting Superman in a kryptonite bath. Therefore, if dealt this hand, you should raise the pot to get some of your opponents to fold.

After the flop

If you do get a caller or two and the flop fails to show you an ace or a king, then its time to take your foot of the gas. Even if one of the other players has called with a pair of twos, he has you beat at this point. Of course, that player wont know he is winning and thats where you can get a bit tricky.

Remember, if you missed the flop all you are holding is ace high. But your raise before the flop signified strength, so you might want to throw another bet out after the flop to represent a big hand. This is called a continuation bet.

The turn and the river

If someone calls your continuation bet and the turn doesnt give you an ace or a king, then its time to quit. Your opponent almost certainly has something and has met your show of strength every round. Unless you know the player you are facing is a chronic bluffer or a calling station that cant let any hand go, then its time to check and fold.

If you do hit an ace or a king on the flop, then by all means bet, but do keep an eye out for opponents who may have made a flush or a straight. Even harder to spot  and therefore even easier to lose money on  is the case where your opponent is holding a pair and hits trips on the flop, while you hit your ace. This situation in Holdem Poker normally results in you losing money, unless you can sniff out that you are beat and fold very quickly.

Be careful you dont slip up

Remember that looking down at your hole cards and seeing AK is always a nice start, but it doesnt always lead to a happy ending.

So take your time with this slippery customer, dont get carried away by throwing your money around in Holdem Poker. Try to narrow down the field and always keep an eye on what your opponent is up to. Knowing when to chuck your cards into the muck can often save you more money than holding on to them.  If you make all the right decisions, then its only Lady Luck who can let you down.