Stop Playing Ace-King Wrong

Upswing Poker
04 Dec 2025
Intermediate
This material is for medium-skilled players
Strategy
04 Dec 2025
Intermediate
This material is for medium-skilled players

Ace King looks premium but plays tricky. Uri Peleg shows the split between hitting your ace or king versus missing completely. Learn to manage tough spots when you miss and treat ace high like any bluff catcher. See real hands showing when to bet, call, or fold AK.

Ace King splits into two scenarios: hit and stack chips or miss and face tough decisions. Treat missed AK like any ace high bluff catcher.

Managing Ace King: Hit or Miss

  • Ace King is not a made hand - sharp drop between pocket pairs and AK
  • When you miss the flop, AK becomes a draw or weak showdown hand
  • Hitting top pair top kicker lets you pile money in aggressively
  • Missed AK should be treated like ace deuce or small pairs
  • Drop emotional attachment when AK is just ace high on river
  • Board texture matters - lower boards miss opponents more often
  • Check back options preserve showdown value in wide range spots
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