Playing AK in tourneys

whowantwhat

whowantwhat

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Total posts
405
Chips
0
I get busted with AK because I don't know how to play them

Is it generally bad play to risk your tourney life with AK (preflop)? (assuming no bubbles, not at a final table where there are short stacks, etc)

What do you do when facing a 3bet? Flat or 4bet? Any other AK tips?
 
Last edited:
M

Myar

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 2, 2007
Total posts
140
Chips
0
Dont overbet the pot preflop with them. That is the biggest mistake most players make with AK. Make your standard raise, see the flop if called. Do not open shove unless your stack is low.

Depends on several factors what I do if I get 3bet. What is my stack size, how big is the 3bet, is it a very tight or a solid player or a fish? Am I willing to flip at that point of the tourney etc.
 
whowantwhat

whowantwhat

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Total posts
405
Chips
0
Dont overbet the pot preflop with them. That is the biggest mistake most players make with AK. Make your standard raise, see the flop if called. Do not open shove unless your stack is low.

Depends on several factors what I do if I get 3bet. What is my stack size, how big is the 3bet, is it a very tight or a solid player or a fish? Am I willing to flip at that point of the tourney etc.
What if someone else opens? Would you 3 bet or just flat call (I know it depends a lot on many factors)?

I would think 3bet/call depends on the factors you listed above, but definitely 3bet if multiple callers before you to isolate.
 
H

hffjd2000

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 6, 2014
Total posts
2,329
Chips
0
If so much action in front of me, I would surely fold.

If my chips are desperate, no option but to play it.
 
arielakarel

arielakarel

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Total posts
112
Chips
0
It really depends on the situation, usually i wont go all in, but i wont back out if someone else raises.
 
horizon12

horizon12

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Nov 2, 2013
Total posts
4,126
Chips
0
easy shove, you will be far ahead in most cases, it is always profitable game...
 
G

GreatLeslie

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Nov 10, 2014
Total posts
165
Chips
0
It all depends on how deep stacked you are. If you're 50BB deep then shoving AK is probably not the best idea, why not just 3Bet and get some value. If you're 25BB deep or less then shoving is always the optimal strategy I feel.
 
Mason Pye

Mason Pye

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Total posts
434
Awards
1
Chips
1
As most of the other members have said, you don't want to be going all in preflop with AK when you're very deep. When going all in preflop when you're very deep, you're usually up against QQ, KK and AA which you don't have a lot of equity against. As regards to 3-betting, I would usually do this against tight players and I would probably call a raise against some loose-aggressive players as they would normally continue their aggressiveness postflop. I don't mind 3-betting AK in position, but when out of position I like to usually call as I don't like having to keep guessing my opponents range when he continues on later streets. Hope this helps.
 
AvaPoker13

AvaPoker13

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 10, 2015
Total posts
85
Chips
0
Risk will always exist, I would say to increase to 1/3 of his chips before the flop, just do not pay all in for someone who has more chips than you, after that depends on your opponents and the cards come.
 
R

ricardohneto

Rising Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Oct 11, 2014
Total posts
10
Chips
0
I'll go with 3bet on the pre-flop...
 
C

CallmeFloppy

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Total posts
1,296
Awards
2
Chips
1
I agree with the 3bet in a general no other factors to consider scenario. Key is to not overplay your hand pre-flop. AK is a great starting hand, not a made hand. You want to leave your options open post-flop as well.
 
atlantafalcons0

atlantafalcons0

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Total posts
3,713
Awards
1
Chips
4
It's certainly not a made hand if that's what you're asking. Post some specific hands to analyze. If short stacked, it's a great hand to stake your tournament on.
 
whowantwhat

whowantwhat

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Total posts
405
Chips
0
Dont overbet the pot preflop with them. That is the biggest mistake most players make with AK. Make your standard raise, see the flop if called. Do not open shove unless your stack is low.

Depends on several factors what I do if I get 3bet. What is my stack size, how big is the 3bet, is it a very tight or a solid player or a fish? Am I willing to flip at that point of the tourney etc.
Making a standard size bet with AK has really been improving my game the past few days. Thanks so much for the advice
 
ghOst

ghOst

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Total posts
382
Chips
0
What if someone else opens? Would you 3 bet or just flat call (I know it depends a lot on many factors)?

I would think 3bet/call depends on the factors you listed above, but definitely 3bet if multiple callers before you to isolate.


Always make a standard raise with them. Never limp. Do not over-bet with this hand pre because disguising your hands is very important. I see players raising 400 at blinds 40/80 and then when they don't have AK, they would raise 200-250. Do not think that you ALWAYS have to win with this hand and that is very crucial to your mental game because that is the rule for every hand.

If you have 60BB and someone shoved for 50BB, just toss those babies away. Be sharp and have the instinct to survive. Now if you have 25BB or blinds are about to get nasty with a short stack, then shove pre and pray for a double up.

Now for the 3bet, if it's going multi way then I'll raise. Against a known loose player, I would probably try to flat call knowing he's open for business expecting cbets.
 
Top