Hand Analysis: 10-Ace
Ace ten is probably the first poker hand on the continuum of ace plus kickers that people tend to play for a raise. You don’t see a whole lot of raising or calling with the Ace nine, except at more loose tables, and so ace ten is kind of the entry “This looks good enough to turn into something” kind of poker online hand where we’re dealing with action. So, what if you pair your ace? That’s good, you have top pair and a pretty strong kicker, but against strong action you might be outkicked. It is more likely that your opponent will have ace jack or better than it is they would have ace nine or worse, so getting into a big pot with just an ace here seems not a bet for the long haul. Pairing the ten seems better, in that then you have top pair and top kicker, but you are also here still vulnerable to overpairs, sets, and two pairs. Are those casino hands likely in your opponent’s range. The consideration is important. Ace ten also gains value in that it can flop broadway, or the highway possible straight, of 10 J Q K A. An unlikely flop, but within the range of possibilities, and thus increasing for your odds.
