Big Slick – How to play big slick (A, K)

  Big slick can be a tricky hand to play. The thing you must remember about AK is that it’s basically a drawing hand. If you don’t hit the flop your opponent probably has you beat. When playing with big slick be prepared to bluff because a pair of twos can beat you if the flop comes up wrong for you. The play at the table before you get any high value starting hand should determine your playing strategy.

  Before the flop you should bet to get rid of the competition because someone with a small pocket pair has you beat. Bet enough so that you are only facing one or two opponents. This will let the other players know that you have a big hand, especially if you have a tight table image. Your image and big pre flop bet can help you out if you don’t hit the flop. Do not go all-in because if you get called you will have to get lucky to win the hand.

  After the flop the first thing you need to be aware of is the playing styles of the other players at the table. When facing tight players big slick looses value because a tight player will not call a big bet pre flop with rags. The other players that called your pre flop bet probably have an ace with a high value kicker or a pocket pair. If the flop gave you an ace or a king then your golden and you should raise. Loose players will call before the flop with almost anything so watch out for straits and flushes.

  If the flop misses you then it’s time to bluff. The players with ace high will have missed the flop as well, so they will fold to a big bet. The players with pocket pairs will also fold if they did not hit three of a kind because the other players think you have a big hand. When trying a bluff do not go over the top or it will look like a bluff because players with a weak hands act strong and player with a strong hand will act weak.

  Big slick can be your friend or it can bust you. Slow playing does not work because you will just be letting someone make their drawing hand. All-in before the flop usually will not work because any pair has you beat. If you take it step by step and bet thoughtfully then big slick is your friend.