Today’s Texas Hold'em strategy involves what can happen with a benign looking flop. What does it mean when you’re holding an A-K, and the board has flopped K-5-5. For most people it means that you’re looking to pay part of the mortgage with the money you will win on this hand. On the surface, it looks like you have a King high two pair, with an unbeatable kicker. Those who play a lot of online Texas Holdem as well as Texas Holdem games at a brick and mortar casino will know that there is some inherent danger in this type of flop.
Most smart players would have followed standard poker strategy and folded most hole card combinations that involved a five, but not everyone is a smart player. There are a lot of players out there whose Texas Holdem strategy involves holding on to any face card regardless of what it is paired with. Someone at the table who subscribes to this poker strategy has just been given a gift from God. There are also a number of good players out there who will occasionally hold on to seemingly weak cards as well. Either they intended to sharpen their bluffing claws, or just wanted to take a chance. Regardless, there is a good chance that you have the best hand at the table, but there is value in being sure.
If you are sitting in an early position, and are feeling daring, you could raise right off the bat (perhaps five times the big blind). This will convey strength, and only someone with another strong hand would challenge your move. If you are called, you’re probably looking at someone who has a King, and wants to see the next card. If you are re-raised that person probably has a five. If you don’t want to be the first to move, simply check and see what everyone else does. If everyone else at the table checks; you’re fine. If a big raise comes from someone seated out of position, it’s time to consider the possibility that they have a five. If the raise comes from the late position, they may be just employing classic Texas Hold'em strategy, and taking advantage of their position. In this case, issue a substantial re-raise. If they call, you have probably found a five. The reason they probably wouldn’t call if they had a King is that your aggression combined with the pair on the board conveys the possibility that you have a five in your hand.
If you are seated in the late position, use classic poker strategy to take advantage of your position and cards. If your aggression is matched with aggression, you have found your five. Once you know what you’re facing you can react accordingly.
I hope this poker strategy helps.
