American Airlines - Poker Starting Hand AA

American Airlines (or Bullets, rockets, pocket rockets) is the term used for the pre flop starting hand A-A. In Holdem a pair of aces is the strongest hand possible pre flop that can be dealt to players. Whilst it's certainly a monster before the flop - it is only a pair and there are many ways it can be beaten once the flop, turn and river are dealt.

In poker, less skilled players often are said to get 'married to their hands', particularly when they have such a pre flop monster. It comes as no surprise that some people don't like the hand at all - the reason being is that it is more difficult to lay down than any other hand. The only way it can improve is to hit one of the last two remaining Aces in the deck or make sunning cards for a straight or flush. It's also often the way that players wait so long for a big hand, they struggle to fold it - even when the board or betting suggests they are well behind.

One should always be wary of the player who might have hit with his trips. All you'll have to go on is how your opponents bet. With only a pair, there should be a level of betting that rings the warning bell. Other danger boards include running cards and where the board pairs. Remember, a pair in Hold'em often isn't enough to win a hand against multiple players.

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