Champions of Poker

Can you help me with a classic debate regarding a sit n go? You are in the big blind with pocket aces and then each and every player at the table proceeds to go all-in and the small blind calls all-in. Most every thinks that you should make the call even thought pocket aces are not as strong against multiple players. If you were in this spot, what would you do?

Grayson

Grayson,

This is a question that I hear proposed by players in regards to the beginning of a tournament, but not in the aspect of a sit n go. In this case, I would actually fold pocket aces, and I will explain why.

First, a common sit n go tournament pays three spots. That means that six players will not make any money whatsoever. While the primary object of any poker game is to win, you cannot win without making the money in any event. In this case, you are looking at a decent chance of making second place money by just folding your cards. While the aces are technically in the lead, the advantage is very small and the value you get by folding is great. For example, if you are playing a $100 sit n go that pays 50% to first, 30% to 2nd and 20% to third, you are looking at an expected value of $300 by making the fold. If the aces hold up, you win 500%, but if you lose, you win 0. By folding, you almost guarantee yourself $300 unless something happens such as a chopped pot. In that case, you may still be guaranteed 3rd place, which is still double your money.

The main disadvantage here is the fact that you would be at a great chip disadvantage. However, the blinds will be so low that you are not out of it. If ever faced with this, make the fold and take the money.

The exception to this would be if the sit n go was a satellite that paid only one spot. In that case, I would make the call. Winning is the only objective and while your edge is not great, you still have an edge going into the flop. Winner takes all is much different than a typical sit n go and requires a bit more risk.

Hi,

In a recent home game I was into, a hand came up. Back then, players were divided, some were good but some were not. Blinds were 100/200, about to move to 200/400.

There was one guy who had almost the same amount of money as I do. And under the gun, I saw pocket aces and so I then made it 600 to go. Afterwards, I got three callers. Flop came and brought A-10-6 rainbow. Blinds then folded so it was again my turn to act first. I checked and so the pot then was $2400.

A player just near me then placed a min raise of $200. Eventually, player 2 called when it came to me. I then raised to $700. Player 1 called while 2 folded. Pot then was $4200. Turn came and was Q. Thinking of all the possibilities, I then opened for $1700.

Eventually, he called the bet. I then thought that draws and 2nd pair were not already possible. River then came and was a non-flush Jack. Afterwards, I placed another $2000 as my bet while he called. At showdown, he flipped over K-10 and so wins the pot because of his straight.

Now, do you think I played properly? If not, maybe you could me even a piece of advice then?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Johnston
Johnston,

I would have raised more on the flop. You didn’t raise enough to push people out of the pot. On the turn, if I bet, I’m going to bet close to the size of the pot to chase out any potential draws.

On the river, I am going to have to check there since it is clear that someone may have a straight. I am surprised you didn’t get raised.