How to play A-K?

[Isaac Mikel]

So, in my last game I was dealt A-Kos twice, and both times I raised it up pre-flop to about 10% of the average chip stack. On both of these occasions I was called by the same one guy who is a fairly loose player.

Both times the flop didn't help me, and it seemed like the other guy had nothing better than a small pair, but he bet into me big anyway, and I folded.

Should I be raising before the flop?

[HalfSugar]

Should I be raising before the flop?

Yes. With AK, always raise pre-flop if you are the opening raiser and consider re-raising an opening raise depending on the situation.

[SDPokerDude]

There are 2 ways to play slick, both of them dangerous.

From early position, I will either raise big (4-5x bb) or limp.

If I raise big with a caller, I am sure that I am AT WORST a coin flip. If someone comes back over the top, than I need to use my reads to decide whether I muck or call.

If I limp, it is with the idea of re-raising pre. If no one raises pre-flop, than I can let go easily, or have a relatively disguised big hand (depending on the talent level at the table).

Both strategies have their dangers. Just remember that ultimately, all you have is a drawing hand. You lose to pocket 2s on a missed board.