A lot of people will play their PokerStars.com pocket aces like any other hand and other people will play pocket aces slowly. Sometimes it’s beneficial to slow play pocket aces whereas other times it isn’t going to be so you need to make the decision when it arises as to whether you should slow play them or play them strongly. There are several factors you should consider before making the decision and we’re going to look at those now so that next time you play poker you’re prepared.
Before the PokerStar.net flop is the most crucial decision you need to make throughout the hand because you need to decide whether to limp or raise the pot. If you limp into the pot then you’re going to risk any two cards going against you, but if you raise the pot you might not get any action. You should consider if there are any opponents playing after you that are loose/aggressive because chances are they might raise if you just limp. If you’re late to act in the pot then you need to almost raise the pot so you don’t get any two cards calling you.
After the poker flop you’ll have an idea of where you stand now because the three community cards are now out. If there are straight and flush draws then you might need to start watching out for your opponents raising you. If you see any draws at all developing you need to begin betting and you can’t really slow play anymore. If the flop comes and there are three duds out there then the only thing you need to worry about is trips or two pairs which is usually unlikely. In this situation you’ll be able to slow play at your own risk, but you want to remain cautious.
As you get to the turn and the river then you need to consider betting now because slow playing isn’t going to make you any money if anyone hasn’t bet yet. You also don’t want allow your opponents to see if every card for free because if they don’t hit something they’ll fold and if they do they’ll beat your pocket aces.
The most ideal time to bet your Poker Stars pocket aces if you’re trying to slow play your opponent’s is either after the flop or turn. If there are any draws out there then you’ll be better off betting the pot after the flop because if your opponent does have a draw they will most likely call. If the draw hits on the turn you could be in trouble so you should slow down betting at this point, but if the draw doesn’t hit I would increase the amount you bet on the turn to make your opponent think about chasing the draw.
With pocket aces they look really good when you see them, but in all seriousness they can be beaten very easily and you don’t have many options to improve your hand. You want to make sure you win some money on your pocket aces, but don’t consider them to be your all-in hand when you sit down at the poker table.