Black Jack - Holdem Starting Hand

Black Jack is the name of arguably the most popular of all casino card games. In Texas Hold'em (arguably the most popular poker game), it's also the name given to the pre flop starting hand of AJ. Whilst it's a good hand pre flop, it is a hand that can get players into trouble as it's dominated by AK and AQ - it's therefore sensible to play the hand whilst being mindful of table position and levels of aggression.

In late position, particularly when no one has raised before you, you should put in a raise. In early of middle position, this isn't a raising hand. There's just too many players left that could have you beat and too many hands that have AJ in trouble. Ace Jack suited is the 8th best Holdem starting hand however the list of hands that have it in trouble are very playable - namely AA, KK, QQ, AK(s), AQ(s), JJ and KQ(s) as well as any pair.

To bring it to life, AJ unsuited up against AK unsuited will win only 24.02% of the time, up against AQ will only win 23.62% of the time. Playing suited cards only adds 2 or 3 percent so don't be fooled into thinking you have a better hand than you actually have. Up against AA, AJ is only winning 8% of the time and 28.61% of the time against KK.

How best to Play Black Jack (AJ)

Carefully. It's much like big slick - looks nice but can get you into a whole lot of trouble very quickly. If you miss the flop and there players are betting into the pot, fold and move on to a better spot. Odds are stacked up against you. In early position don't go crazy. If you raise and you're re-raised - let it go. The issue in this spot is that even when you hit your ace on the board, there's every chance that an opponent could have AQ or AQ, which are very playable hands. This is a calling hand in middle position. In late position, raise or call (don't re-raise). If you miss everything on the flop and you are raised - get rid of it, there will be better spots.

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