Suited Aces or Suited Connectors? |
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Posted Mon Mar 07, 2005 3:55 am GMT by xDiamond_CutteRx
Let me qualify the setting for my poll question. In a live, low-limit game where players tend to play looser than they would at higher stakes or no limit, are suited connectors really much better than an Ace and any suited card?
The rationale most poker tacticians give for playing most suited connectors is that they can make many hands (notably straights, flushes, and straight flushes, not to mention decent two pair). But in a game where a lot of players will draw for any suited cards, the value of low flushes goes down significantly, and thus so do implied odds. On the chance that you do get the flush, there is at least a decent chance someone has a higher flush. So really, all you're going for is a straight, and the suited advantage of your cards is lost. Playing A-x suited, however, at least gives you the nut flush when you complete the draw (assuming the board is not paired with no straight flush possible).
In any case, position is obviously going to make a huge difference, and I wouldn't call with suited connectors lower than J-10s or A-xs outside of strong position.
That said, I still consider Jack-Ten suited my second favorite hand in the game, but I tend to have better expectation in loose games with A-x suited than even 9-8 suited or 10-9 suited.
Opinions on this?
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Posted Mon Mar 07, 2005 4:45 am GMT by partypokermaster
Ace Hi Takes It!
Posted Mon Mar 07, 2005 5:17 am GMT by Idaho
I would rather have the connectors. AXs is only going to be any good if you hit the flush (4% chance) and if everyone is calling with any ace then you are likely to either get outkicked or someone else is going to make two pair.
With connectors you either hit, and hit big or you can lay them down. If I have Axs I am going to get stuck when the flop comes in with two of my suit or when and ace flops and the bets are just about worth calling.
Posted Mon Mar 07, 2005 9:02 am GMT by suitedaces84
FL--I'll take suited connectors. You have a better chance of making a hand with them.
NL--I'll take Axs. I don't having a hand as vunerable as a low flush when my whole stack could be on the line.
Posted Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:15 pm GMT by howzit
Suited connectors and up to two gappers in deepstack NL cash games IMO, J-10 is the most overplayed suited connector thanks to Doyle/Super System. I'll always play it but I think deception value of it is near zero.
When I get 6-7 in the CO, I start salivating, my senses are heightened, and I'm ready to go to war. The risk/reward (implied odds) is significant and there are three streets to play creatively. On the other hand, I hate/don't enjoy/avoid playing head's up w/suited connectors out of position.
Suited aces: fixed limit... I like drawing to the nuts. Plus, figure in that the ace overlay is still good.
NL tournies: strong preflop play.
Posted Tue Mar 08, 2005 6:28 am GMT by Muck
One problem I found with suited connectors is that if you do make two pair the board is often a straight draw. E.g.
I’m playing in a no-limit tourney. This hand comes soon after being seated, so I’ve got little to no info on the players.
I’m small blind. With 89s.
Table folds around to me and I bet 3xPot for a steal. BB calls.
Flop 789. Rainbow.
I bet Pot just in case he’s drawing. He calls.
Turn 6.
I bet pot again and he re-raises me all-in.
I reluctantly fold.
What do people think about this, should I have been more aggressive earlier of given up sooner?
Posted Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:59 am GMT by Idaho
| Muck wrote: | One problem I found with suited connectors is that if you do make two pair the board is often a straight draw. E.g.
I’m playing in a no-limit tourney. This hand comes soon after being seated, so I’ve got little to no info on the players.
I’m small blind. With 89s.
Table folds around to me and I bet 3xPot for a steal. BB calls.
Flop 789. Rainbow.
I bet Pot just in case he’s drawing. He calls.
Turn 6.
I bet pot again and he re-raises me all-in.
I reluctantly fold.
What do people think about this, should I have been more aggressive earlier of given up sooner? |
I would probably call. I would be tempted to put the guy on a slow played high pair or two high cards that he can't lay down. I don't think he's taken you on with J 10 or 56s - if he has then his crazy long shot has paid off. He could have A5 or A10 I suppose. Unless he is a fool he doesn't have trips either. I would have called.
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