They both suck when they miss the flop. I've recently lost a fortune with AK , so I'd rather have 88 so I can easily toss them away when 3 over hit the flop.
Gamble in the red zone in you go depends on the flop and how many players in the hand what blinds are like 88 when hit a set has the potential to cripple the AKs that hit.
I've had 88 before and nothing on the table was bigger then the 88 and still lost to a straight. I would rather have AK cause if you hit your gonna a pretty good hand.
I love to look down at a pair, but at the end of the day rather see AK, just potentially much better than the 88. Anyhow, rather see the bigger hand and take a flop.
I'd much rather have AK. You have such a better chance to have someone dominated. 88 vs KQs is scary flip but AKo vs KQs you're way ahead. Plus 99-QQ you're drawing to two cards with AK it's a flip
to me it doesn't really matter and depends on table position more than anything, if im early position id rather have AK. But you just gotta play the cards your dealth the best you can sometimes the weak hands win to.
Right now I'm going through a period where I just cannot hit over cards against a pocket pair, so I'm gonna say I'd rather have 88. I've lost a bunch with AK lately
I think your implied odds are higher with 88 - AK is considered the better hand since you are likely to be facing a lot of other A and K, which you dominate, and other broadway cards like QJ, JT, etc.
However, you are much more likely to get paid off with something like 88, since it’s hard to read and easy to disguise. AQ is going to pay you off on a A8Q board, or even A83. A7, however, is unlikely to call down or show much aggression, unless it’s a poor player (you can get paid with top pair, top kicker a TON at micro stakes, since people over value top pair).
The program Equilab considers 88 - 52.29% against AsKs - 47.71%. And in recent times I have been unable to get to the flop with AK, for this reason I prefer 88.
ALL pocket pairs, 22-KK,are ahead pre flop against any 2 non paired over cards and only have 2 vs. The villains 6 outs for improvement. I like to get my money in when Im good so I will call with my pocket pair. If im shoving with AK I really only want to see a worse Ax turn over
It really depends on the situation. Each has its advantages in different situations. If I am blind to knowing any situational info, I will take AK. If you are sticking me heads up against the other, I'll take the pair. Anything else I need to have more insight.
AK is just better hand. With 88 you miss most of the flops. Many times you will see one or two overcards and give up many times. AK just give you more capabilities postflop. 88 is just a little better hand preflop. Postflop is just another thing. With AK you can barrel with flush draws, overcards, you block villain strong combinations , its easier to valuebet villain's worse Ax, Kx. 88 is just average hand when you miss a flop.
I literally just beat someone with 88 and he had AK suited. Odds are better with AK but to have a good pair and have the odds of hitting trips are pretty good as well