pre flop raise

I play 2NL on paradise. My question is, on a nice full table if i catch a great starting hand, AK, AQ etc, should i raise pre flop to protect my hand? Or should i wait to see the flop for cheap and reel in from there? I find that if i raise pre flop, and catch my pair or etc, those who called me pre flop are more willing to call my bets on the turn and river.....This is probably a newb question but im curious. thanks

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Originally Posted by Ripptyde

slow play kills

Yeah, what rippy said.

I generally don't try to be too fancy pancy with my AAs, AKs and AQs. Just go for the up front raise and there is MUCH more chance of you winning the pot.

plus, if you don't raise preflop, you have no "authority" to bet the flop with a semi-bluff if you've missed.

It depends on your position whether you should preflop raise or not. AA, KK, QQ, AK are no brainers from any position. med/pairs, paint cards can be played for a raise if you are in late position. Some starting hands are folds in early position where they could be good for a raise in late position.

btw: I would argue that AQ is a raise from early position. Some books I have read say to fold AQ when early, call if they are suited.

AQo in micro limits .5/1 AQ is a limp for me..

The purpose of betting AQ in early position is to push out those on a draw and marginal hands. But in low limits .5/1 and 1/2 they will call anways.

After the preflop raise, they now have correct odds to call the flop/turn nearly regardless of what you do from early position.


Anywhere other game and its a raise.

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before you throw the books out, which books are they? just so others can avoid buying them hahaha.

Obviously some of us like being lagg. Personally, I have done quite well playing tight. I eat loose people for lunch

raise AQ for value and when you hit your pair, play it fast

I think there's more than enough value to raise AQ in a 2$ NL