Playing Pocket Kings
Kings are the second best hand pre-flop in texas hold'em, but after the flop if an ace comes on board they can quickly turn into second best. This article will look at how you should play your pocket kings before and after the flop to get maximum value from them, while hopefully taking down the pot on a consistent basis.
Raise Your Kings Pre-Flop
I know a lot of players like to slow play their kings pre-flop, but in general this is a bad idea. Slow playing your kings is just asking weak aces to take part in the pot and draw out on you on the flop. What you want to do is bet pre-flop and eliminate the weak aces and other drawing hands from play. If you get any callers you will likely be left with strong aces, mid to high pocket pairs or two high cards such as (K,Q) even though the latter would likely be a loose call. If you are lucky someone will raise your bet and you can re-raise for a good amount of chips. What you really want is to be heads up after the flop. It is much easier to play your kings against one other hand than against many.
How to Play the Flop
On the flop of course the best scenario would be hitting another king to complete a set. However, this is very unlikely and what you should really be hoping for is just not to see an ace. If no ace comes up you are likely ahead at this point, but you should continue to bet as to not give your opponents another free card. Betting also builds the pot if your opponents do make the call. If an ace does come on the flop then you have some tough decisions to make. It is likely still the right play to bet out with a continuation bet because often times your opponent won't have the ace and will likely have to fold because they will be putting you on a big ace. However, if your opponent makes a raise you should go back through the hand and try to figure out if your opponent has the ace. In all likelihood if they called your big pre-flop bet and raised you when you bet out at the ace high flop they do have the ace. In this case your kings are way behind and you should probably lay them down. If your opponent just calls your bet then they may be on a draw or they could very well have lower pockets than you. You should probably fire another bullet on the turn and see what happens. Most flops will be kind to your kings and you will be able to build a nice pot, but those few where an ace comes on board are tricky to play.
Summary
In conclusion pocket kings are very strong pre-flop and are still very strong post-flop, as long as there is no ace on board. Play your kings aggressively throughout the hand, but don't be afraid to lay them down if a scare card comes on board and your opponent shows strength. Try to find some pocket kings to test this strategy at Full Tilt Poker. Remember to use a Full Tilt Poker referral code when signing up to receive an initial deposit bonus.
