Before my question, I would like to share something first. Just recently, I hosted an 11 man home tourney. I remember there were some aggressive college students who came and then keenly watched.

Earlier, there were more all ins than usual. Good as I thought I was able to move up slightly. However, I found out afterwards that there was a trouble ahead. I found a little under-dressed, off-suit.

Eventually, I raised three times the big blind. Consequently, table folded around except for one player who pushed all in all the way. The said player was actually the big stack. I believe he was just making fun then with a low pair. Later, I called all in while he flipped pocket sevens. On the flop, he was able to catch his 7 and so I was then busted out.

Now, I’m curious because of some stuff. When facing the big stack, should I consider folding A-K off thinking that I might be in a coin flip situation at some point? Also, do you think I should wait to push a smaller stack all-in in order for me to later on see where I stand considering the cards I have?

Another thing, I believe I am a much better player and so because of this I should have reduced volatility. What’s your thoughts on this?

Your help will be much appreciated.

Thanks and nice site!

Regards,
John Eastwood
John,

A-K against a chip leader is a tricky hand. Some people think it is great, but is really just a glorified drawing hand. I would have folded this hand preflop after the reraise unless I was short stacked. If I was short stacked, then I would have played it. Being all in short for a coin flip is not that bad a situation.

Before anything, I would like to commend you for having a great site!

Well, I am actually here now because I want to clarify something. For two times in just three months, this situation happened to me. In a small buy-in freeze-out tournament with around 90 players, I would try to play tightly and aggressively. At certain point, I will then have a-k and j-j. I would then raise four times the big blind and then have three or four callers. Flop would appear but not that significant, therefore I’ll be kicked off. Gradually, my stack will decrease. Then when blinds were 30 and 60 and I had 120 points left, I will go all in with a pair of 8′s, some other time a pair of 6´s. Later, two callers would appear with two over cards so obviously, I can’t anymore take home the pot.

I’m not so sure with the way I played. Anything in mind?

Thanks!
Agren
Agren,

A-K is a drawing hand at best. It must hit in order to be strong. Otherwise, it’s ace high and not that powerful. If the flop did not produce overcards, I am surprised you were folding Jacks so easily. Unless there was significant action from other players, there is no reason to believe that Jacks are beat.

As far as your middle pairs getting beat, the problem here is that you are waiting to long to push with a hand. When you do, it will not scare opponents off and they will take coin flips with you to eliminate you, especially if they have plenty of chips.