Stop Playing Pocket Kings Like This! (Big Mistake)

[@BlackRain79Poker]

How do you play your pocket KK on Axx flops? Also, check out my other video with the millionaire poker advice that changed everything for me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5WVgKGqZp54a5Y

[@thomasvanriper2895]

Usually check fold, curse my luck..... eye opening video. Thanks.

[@rzambory2938]

This is right on Thank You 🙏

[@artjohnson6380]

I will often check and fold to aggression. I will sometimes bet the turn if checked back. BTW, love your videos.

[@peterfairley1]

Good advice but no discussion of odds of Ace pair depending on how many players called the pre-flop bet and how to handle that....

[@Egad]

I will usually C-Bet 1/2 to 2/3 pot and fold to a raise. If they call I will either check or double barrel the turn depending on who I am playing against. If they stay with me I will check the river or fold if they bet/raise.

[@RippednBuff]

So what you are saying is, I wait 220 hands to get screwed 1 in 4 times on the flop, I love poker.

[@benjaminmann6963]

Hilarious and so true 😂

[@James_the_Builder]

What he said was play your KK and don't be overly concerned about the A. KK makes a set 20% of the time.

[@RippednBuff]

@@James_the_Builder lol ok buddy..

[@adamdooley8977]

@@RippednBuff Hope to see you at the tables…

[@TimStJohn-zd2fx]

@@James_the_Builder I don't think it's that often. Are you sure? If so, where are you getting that info?

[@coltukkor]

One additional important aspect to consider was if there was a reraise or called reraise preflop. If so the opponent has a more narrow range making the odds their hand contains an ace a fair bit higher. That’s perhaps where you should err on the side of caution. If however someone behind simply flatted or rather the big blind is your opponent, it’s much less likely they have an ace in their hand.

[@byron2521]

Online, I play them like any other pair. I would raise that from 22% to 30% online. Because online players notoriously play ace rages all the time. My kings often get beat by A-2 Offsuit in any position.

[@kevinichter7362]

I think this type hand is much harder, the lower the limits. Loose rec players don't seem to worry about being out kickered... So regardless of much you bet with KK they will call you all the way down.

[@ozrenbalic6051]

Perhaps you shouldn't turn a hand with a decent showdown value, such as KK on an A-high flop, into a 3 street bluff..

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

@@ozrenbalic6051 You block AK, so they cannot have the best hand.

[@morganspector5161]

The other side of this is that you run into the calling stations who will call even with hands like 32o. I've learned that the main thing to watch for is when the board pairs because, like it or not or however improbable it may seem, that may open the door to trips. And the problem with playing a calling station is that he won't ordinarily rise up and bet, so you have no real read. My general approach is to continue to bet but perhaps reducing my bet sizes as a means of pot control.

[@sungod9797]

The probability of an ace on the flop goes down if the opponent has an ace as well, since there are fewer in the deck obviously. This mean that the probability (in a heads-up game for simplicity) of your opponent making their ace on the flop is quite low, barring any extra information you get from their pre-flop aggression or general tight play

[@scblackbird]

for me in this situation its all about what kind of player my opponent is, tight, aggressive, rookie, experienced, then go with my gut. i really pay attention to every hand weather im in it or not and see how everyone plays, most mid, small stake rook's and wannabe's play the same most of the time.

[@dxfifa]

Underplaying KK on wet boards is far more common. I've had my 3bet called by KK that is passive on the flop, checks behind on the turn and calls river so many times or they check fold A high flops in 4 bet pots, or check in position vs blinds on a single raised AxTc9c flop then fold turn. street value lost too by low stakes players Crazy how bad some players think KK is, obviously don't play a huge pot vs a TPA player but there is so much 1 or 2

[@TimStJohn-zd2fx]

Great vid. You're absolutely correct. I always play this hand cautiously, but again it depends largely on who I am playing against, their calling range, their aggression, skill level. In general I am also betting / checking 50/50. Great to see I am doing it correctly. Too many players are scared off by the Ace, which does work to your advantage, knowing that they're just as worried as you are most of the time.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

No prob, glad my poker videos are helping you!

[@TimStJohn-zd2fx]

YES! For sure. @@BlackRain79Poker

[@sawg4607]

Online i found most other players don't just make a bet. They go all in more than 50% of the time. Even if i call with AA, KK, KQo or find it goes wrong. Then I fold and fall into the 'rec player' stereo type. I feel as soon as a game turns into an all in fest, the strategy goes out the window and all you're left with is a boring game of just chance, like craps.

[@markcapestro5390]

Love your videos! They are really opening my eyes to different styles and strats. They help me spot types of players at the table which keeps me out of bad spots. Thank you for doing these!!!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks Mark glad my videos help!

[@mjrxyz]

I wish you had touched on bet/stack sizing when deciding in this situation. I'm sure you do in other videos but a few minutes here, specifically, would be helpful.

[@RonniesPokerRants]

I can help, mix it up depending on variables such as position, player type, and whether flop is good or as suggested. Helpful? Please don't admit to it though.

[@travelingmerchant6931]

I raise pre flop to get rid of all the hands that are small but could be dangerous. At least 5 times the blind. Then if ace hits a small continuation bet or check.

[@shivasirons6159]

I got Lucky with pocket kings today, i raised from early position, got a call then a reraise, 3 of us ended up all in, i know they didn't have AA, but if one Ace hits that board im beat, i figure they got one each so theres only 2 outs, one guy had AQ, the other had AJs.

[@samueltokko]

Thank you!.. Love your videos.... You helped me improved my game and I'm becoming more deciplined at the table....

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Happy to help!

[@mikec4684]

I tried to bed about 3 × 3 times whether I have a big Ace or a pocket pair so they're confused anyway. I also 5050 on the flop if in Ace comes. A lot of times if it's only just 1 or 2 people out I will continue better like I have a great kicker with my Ace and I don't care if they have one

[@dennisje2925]

Mostly a KK on this flop is part of my checking range (like alow kickers too). When i realy have a huge rage advantage: Like on flops like AQJ I tend to bet with my whole range including KK. But on most A high flops I check (and it is defended with the A bad kickers)

[@Jason.Davis.]

Good advice, one thing thats common here is that you made a substantial bet preflop (like 3x), so the chances of your opponent(s) having an ace are magnified. So slow playing preflop and having 3 callers of course leaves you not knowing who has what but almost certainly beat by any ace rag.

[@vladislavyurchenko1590]

I am all in with kings. All the time. If he has A, so good luck to me.

[@chauncieextreme8514]

pre-flop…of course. but if you are all in every time you have kings after a flop, gl. hope I get a chance to play with you

[@Cliffdog155]

I got hit a couple times with people being very aggressive pre flop. So I ended up pushing all in. And of course they had an ace and hit the flop. Is pushing all in pre flop just too aggressive?

[@GRice999]

What hands are they calling all in bets with? AA, KK and AK only? Then if they call, they're a small favorite against kings. Add QQ or AQs (or more) to their calling range and you're the favorite. So if they're very aggressive, by all means get it in with kings pre-flop, especially if the effective stacks aren't too big (because they should call with more hands you dominate).

[@Cliffdog155]

@@GRice999 it’s ridiculous, I’ve lost all In with pocket kings to crap like 7-8 suited, ace queen, I even lose with pocket aces a lot. Come to conclusion I suck lol

[@monsterstackwizard9313]

I use pocket kings as a weapon against scared money. Even on ace-high flops. Same with pocket queens. Pocket kings doesn't block an ace but it blocks ace-king which scares a weak Ax playing with scared money.

[@dyes1300]

Great vid...! But it only covers play during the flop - missing the instruction for after.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks, I cover it in more recent videos.

[@therominator8709]

I start with a 3 bet on the preflop. Players know I'm coming in strong. The flop comes down with the A. By this time in the game I have probably identified the players at the table. I look at the type of player and their possible range based on what's in the flop. If they bet weak. If they check. If they just call, they very likely don't have the A but again it's based on type of player. A tight player making any bet could have the A. Follow your gut when you evaluate their range, then check, bet, or call. Any time you think they got that A just remember. A pair can still be beat. Make your best plays use your best judgements track the board and the ranges and be ready to lay down your cowboys if you think you need to

[@croasian6342]

Nathan, an awesome video as always.

[@barbarityensues1096]

Hey Nathan! GReat video as usual. A bit unrelated, but would you mind doing a video about your time as a 24 table 5nl grinder? Specifically, how much you earned, and how much someone just playing ABC poker could expect to make? Not the "elite, best of class" kind of nl5 player but someone who has a good grasp of basics and isnt tilting?

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thank you, will make a video on that!

[@casadelosotte]

I would not only float, but, depending on my opponent, also check-raise or 3-bet. With a call, you know you can give up the hand. Like you said, throw it in a mix. What is your idea about those moves, on the flop?

[@generallukeproductions]

Ace on the flop with pocket kings seems like it happens way more than 22%

[@karenoliver825]

If I have a pocket pair and an over card appears on the flop I just cbet as usual and take it from there.

[@chex1007]

Make a video on how to put fish on a range

[@waynerothstein1286]

Had a challenging situation I'd like some advice on...playing 2-3 NL live game, Had KK, raised $40 preflop against a LAG, everyone else folded..he called. Flop comes AA7 rainbow, I check, he pushed all in $400..I folded..right move?

[@Hikingguy359]

Your videos are very helpful but please include bet sizing with your analysis. For C-bets should you bet 1/3 or 1/2 pot size? If you check KK on Ace board and villain bets 3/4 pot or more, do you still flat?

[@coltukkor]

Personally i generally recommend smaller size c bets 1/3 pot. People generally fold too easily and this way you risk less if they call. However I use 2/3 pot size c-bets on draw heavy boards. You might also consider checking back atleast some of the time or otherwise it’s eventually going to become clear you are “stealing”. Best time to consider this is when your hand contains an ace high , as you atleast have some showdown value should you and your opponent miss altogether.

[@nautgamingnautgaming9949]

@@coltukkor I'd go full pot on draw heavy unless a tag or nit then I'd be concerned about the board It depends what the range is with the person you're going against I'd go half pot because 1/3rd seems half ass and wreaks of weakness

[@jeffweiner4785]

I would assume there was a significant raise or re-raise preflop. Therefore, of the hands that are still in the hand, a much more significant percentage would have an ace. Would you agree?

[@MrPokerpro2]

You mean well and you are right if the sites are not rigged. am experienced player from 2010 to 2020 on pokerstars KK is almost always against AQ KA or A rag, for the action.

[@michelepuluti4323]

Yes, thank you Nathan! Your videos are so helpful. My win rate has definitely improved! 😊

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Awesome Michele, happy to hear!

[@cdniracer]

Great advice Nathan

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Glad my poker videos are helping you, thanks for watching!

[@gottired2]

I usually play it as if I have AK. Reason being if I raise an A easily fits into my range. If I Chet the flop it makes it hard for a weak A that hasn’t made 2 pair to continue. Especially since the pot could have been 3bet preflop. If you barrel the turn then they almost certainly put you on a hand like that especially since you would otherwise have to give them some respect for their call. I once bluffed an AK off the hand on the river by c betting, check raising the turn and over betting on the river repping a better than one pair hand.

[@teresakatrinak8158]

Where is the link for the free guide? Video says it will be in a link below.

[@christophspindler7800]

this is a hand where in position saves u a lot of money. Because u can bet bet and check the river behind if u came to the conlusion u are beat by an ace. If u are out of position u have to preapre yourself for either bet through or call through otherwise u get in a hard situation on the river when u check and face a bet

[@GabrielCriado-ts3dd]

It depends ( I will be operating like we both don't have any history on eachother). If they flatted my raise preflop. I would cbet.

[@mikehong2691]

Nathan!-You Are Right About-Pocket Kings!&It Relieves My Mind About The Ace On The Flop&The Turn&The River!-Pocket Kings!-Is Much Better Than A Single High-Card Ace!&Thanks!&Good Luck!-Nathan!-Raymond "Mike" Hong!

[@ronakjain7790]

This was helpful but go in details more like how to proceed further.

[@michaelmclaughlin1958]

What about when they check after you check? What about if you bet and they raise?

[@dd4760]

😅😅😅😅😅 i just got dealt pocket kk and raised to 40 and some one went all in and I called he had pocket QQ and flopped 2 QQs Did I make a mistake by calling his all in?

[@kingkracker1998]

Normally when I play pocket kings my pre flop bat is very polarized so I play an Ace high flop like I hit that Ace lol And my bet on the flop will look like I'm begging for a call but being a little greedy Maybe half pot

[@wesdoobner7521]

Playing .02/05, when you're holding AA or KK and someone goes all in before the flop, I guess you really have to call. That's why I've started buying in more tables at $1.50 instead of fewer tables at $5. Kind of frustrating for a beginner how reckless some of these players are, especially when you've got AA and he's got KK and he gets a king on the river.

[@demorogaming8835]

I assume you’re joking but if you’re serious, yes u have to call and u should be a ecstatic about it. AA or KK all in pre flop will win you quite a lot of money. Ur goal should always be to get all in before the flop with those hands

[@brucelee5576]

I play will below my Bankroll requirements , I pick up Kings I go balls to the wall, might even aggressively slow play to the end.

[@UnderEstimated0Poker]

nice vids? i'm just starting my Bankroll challenge!

[@decarlocalloway01]

Where did you get the 22% from???

[@jaket1858]

Since watching your videos I have been playing more aggressive but the results are not working. Sometimes it's also better to play passive. Had a tournament the other day I was roughly a 4/1 favourite 3 times out drawn every time! You need a balanced strategy

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Great to hear!

[@krisfeller3188]

i make a medium sized bet to test the water, if he raises big i fold, if he calls i keep checking till i know im stronger or he bets big..

[@juelzzz42o]

check raising to see where I'm at isn't good ?

[@Slimjim260]

I agree with your theory, just walk the dog like Mike Sexton said. I miss him!

[@ARCSTREAMS]

lol ok its a amazing to see that most of your vids and others are showing me strategies that i already learned on my own simply playing the game online for a short while and yet i never read books or looked at ranges or anything like that yet i seem to already have the skills i would have gotten from those by simply playing and seeing what kind of dynamics is happening during the rounds , so its refreshing to know this , perhaps i already understand something like ranges before there was a name for it or a table etc lol

[@longlostkryptonian5797]

I play it just the way you say to, just very nervously 😂

[@Bob-ts2tu]

yesterday i raised KK first in early pos 4x the BB to 2400 out of 16k. 2 hands down was reraised AI by a guy with a slightly bigger stack, and then another guy with 1/2 my stack calls the all in, so what am i supposed to do lol. i called of course. The first guy had 55, the caller had K8off, and im pretty much loving it until the river gives my k8 off 'hero' a flush with the 5clubs to win the main pot, 55 a set for the 2nd pot, and im on the rail. I have listened to all this 'good advice' for years, but online in low buy in tournys it's BS im afraid

[@chrisjordan7938]

HAHA 😂 BRUTAL MAN

[@Bob-ts2tu]

@@chrisjordan7938 i have many tales like that Chris, but then again we all have. btw i didnt laugh, i was more expressive ~)

[@jjsbluz6081]

Thx once again sir!

[@arsenaltounian7116]

I had pocket kings at a $20,000 tournament 2 weeks ago. I was in the final table . 6 players left. I was the button. The guy before me in seat 4 had 800000 worth of chips. He went all in pre flop. I had 600000 in chips. I had no choice but to call. He had ace seven. Flop comes there's a ace , four, and six.. turn was nothing for either one if us . Same with the river. I lost the hand. Nothing you can do in that situation. It's pure luck at that stage

[@kerrybla9760]

when you say an ace will show up 22% of the time is that dependent of how many players at the table or in the hand? or is it always 22% ?

[@hairycanary5912]

No and yes.

[@mick727xd]

It’s 22% on average. Obviously if the opponent is holding an ace, the chances are lower.

[@James_the_Builder]

If 4 players each have an A i will bet anything no A on the flop

[@ntcjim2273]

1.25x is better for me!Thank you for sharing!!

[@67geetar]

Just to check my maths - If I raise preflop with JJ there's a 66% probability there will be an A, K or Q on the flop?

[@mick727xd]

Not quite. If you raise pre-flop with JJ, those cards will appear on average 0.66 times per flop. The chance of there being at least one is a little over 53%. That means that still almost half the time, you have an overpair or better and doesn’t include flops when you make a middling or lower set with jacks.

[@67geetar]

@@mick727xd Cool, thanks Mick

[@eatfrenchtoast]

They have the ace. I'll bet bet or call bet to make sure often but if if they push back more often than not they have it.

[@josephmeador1529]

Last KK I played I got beat by a straight, a set of 8s, and two pairs so I came in 4th.

[@khaitran3709]

Im going all in..no matter what..

[@darrellwekwert7994]

why cant i get the free download to work

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Hey Darrell, sorry about that. Maybe it accidentally it got sent to your junk folder?

[@chrishuggins9223]

Funny...well said Nathen

[@pgskills]

Why does A come up 22% on the flop though?

[@johnpatterson6448]

Other useful stats would be % that another player (9 handed) has an ace. % of times a king comes on the flop

[@MrDavePed]

I'm positive I've lost more money with pocket kings than any other hand. I used to ignore the ace on the flop, taking that as a strong indicator I was not up against any aces in the opponent's hands and just played as though I had top pair. It is well to remember that the most common card held by players who pay to see the flop is.. an ace. Your opponents are more likely to be holding an ace post flop than any other card no matter what the flop is. KK?? Tread very carefully. ..

[@sergiotl7378]

@Bryan Smith Exactly. Either that or the sample size is ridiculous.

[@pawelstepien3020]

Things gets worse when we are making a C bet on this flop and get re raised . It is still a call I guess but it's a lot more trickier call ..

[@StarpunkD]

Murphy's Law, that's what that Ace on the flop is called.

[@BiteTheCurbNow]

Thank you. You are bringing me understanding...like I used to have. I'm older and seasoned but way off on my i.q. right now. Your videos help. Thank you.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Glad my vids are helping you, thanks for watching!

[@Snowball_Earth]

Excuse me, post-flop strategy is nice and all, but where's the turn and potentially river strategy in this example??

[@cennon]

If there's 5 players and an A hits, get out. Someone's holding an A.

[@cata9223]

Is it 30% chance there’s an ace ? I believe I watched a video saying 30% to be ace high flop

[@mig7290]

I appreciate this video but if we could potentially lose all or a major portion of our chip stack in a MTT is a balanced strategy really important? Especially an MTT which we Satellited into which is importent for us. What would be optimal in this situation? If we are lucky to be playing an MTT that is above our usual buy is balanced play the correct strategy? The problem with not continuation betting the flop is even if the villain has an Ace with a weak kicker or an other weaker hand/draw they might put us on any weaker pocket pair as opposed to another Ace with a stronger kicker/Kings/Aces and bet the flop putting us into a tricky situation. So would the right move here be to reraise and fold any all in scenario?

[@gratler]

1. dont freak out 2. bet 50% of the time check 50% of the time laters

[@losyart]

I know they always have it so i open fold my KK on Ace high flops

[@RahulMahajan-gz6ck]

Fold pre.

[@losyart]

@@RahulMahajan-gz6ck Sometimes as well

[@bbmw9029]

You're probably not watching the replies any more, but I think you have to c-bet here all the time. No bet, not information. Checking shows you're representing no ace. They don't know that you have KK. Pre flop raise + c-bet represents A , which you want them to think. If the call, look at the turn and go from there. If they have a mid to low ace, they may bail. I just don't see what you get by checking here.

[@goncalodvd]

I have 4 million hands played online and on Pokerstars the ace pops up 40% on the flop when I have KK ...

[@ARCSTREAMS]

yeah well aces can easly be tilt killers to pocket queens or kings when they make there set on the flop and no ace(s) comes on the deck ,,happens all the time also it seems like whenever i get those high pockets everyone else gets them too ,this is what makes ppl think its rigged as well ,we all have a laugh about it and say gee i guess we all got good faces

[@scottwhitworth2023]

Pocket kings can never be folded pre flop. Best action is" all in " pre flop as the only hand to beat you is pocket AAs which is very rare and never a guarantee for Aces anyway. If you let a smaller hand draw a flop, your kings are in immediate danger. That puts you in a position where you cannot fold and call even when you feel at risk . Much better to drag a small pot than lose a big one.

[@biglarge9418]

It seems like my Kennedy brothers always find a bullet, fortunately, usually it’s on the flop.

[@boblewiz263]

I go all in

[@iv-kingroy-iv2225]

100% of the time I have pocket Kings, there is an ace on the Flop. 200% of those times, my opponent has the Ace, like A6 offsuit or some crap. 😂😂

[@timweiss2011]

Your examples reflect the holder of KK entering the opening bet on the flop. What about if someone opens the betting before you (i.e. you have position), do you balance calling and raising? What about if that opener then bets on the flop? Fold, Call, or Raise (if the cbet was 2bb or so)?

[@mick727xd]

In position you’re probably calling a small cbet on the flop and folding to further aggression. Will depend on hud stats though. If 3bet percentage is extremely low, then you err more towards a fold. Similar for cbet/donk percentages. That being said, KK is likely the aggressor pre-flop rather than the caller. An ace on the flop can get AQ & AJ to fold by double-barrelling, as you’re the one with more AA and AK in your range.

[@clarencetroy520]

@@mick727xd Yeah....no. AQ/AJ is not folding to a double barrel post flop when an Ace hits the board. Sorry, just not happening.

[@mick727xd]

@@clarencetroy520 happens all the time at the micros. It generally shouldn’t at higher levels of play, but there’s no way in general a 3 bet caller wants to go all in with AJ on an ace flop at low stakes like 5-10NL. There’s not enough bluffing in general to justify a call in either peoples 3 bet range or cbet range.

[@ProBusterxXx]

Basically kk is like 22 in front of A2 of suit😂. When Here comes the 3,A,9 preflop😂😂. I always thought as an amateur kk is invincible. But also it has high equity .... But also very beatable😂 But not as beatable as AA 😂

[@highwayhermit]

When i get pocket Aces, Kings hit the flop. When I get pocket Kings, Aces on the flop. I hate this stupid game

[@donalddarrell2004]

I believe 22% is approximately 1 out of 5 not 1 out of 4

[@SavagePoker81]

I hate aces!

[@bloodkillpoker6635]

Just fold your KK when the ace comes out or cbet then fold. If the pot is getting big you are losing more often than not. I know because I used to not fold.

[@jamesmurray1982]

Word

[@jayfromaz]

There's still a lot of variables. In a headset pot online you can look up the HUD. Even without it you're still on decent shape. However, recreational players are often very unpredictable especially in low stakes. Secondly, premium hands play different in multiple pots. You're not always going to be heads up. But the point is still well taken. Too many people go broke with premium hands because they don't know how to play them. Even with pocket A's it's still a pair and not a guaranteed win.

[@badvideo169]

you said it right, i try to see if I can get a3 to fold, if not I check

[@nickjunes]

If you get pocket kings they shouldn't be in with 87s or JK because you should have raised big enough to chase those hands out most of the time so that increases the likelihood of the other player having an ace.

[@MAD_shots]

All in 😂

[@Adam-qf9wu]

Advice given here: bet or check on the flop and then “go play some poker” on the turn and river. I can’t believe this video has over 1k likes.

[@mfgref]

I had pocket Kings and a Queen and 10 show up on the flop. The guy to my right raise up to 2x pot. I go all-in. The problem was the guy to left called. He had a set of 10s :-(

[@clarencetroy520]

2-outter luckbox. Shake it off lol

[@SaulHernandez-kz6hd]

Sorry, have to barrel these Vegas regs and punish them anytime I get a chance. 😤

[@edlambo1312]

Wish I would of seen this 2 hours sooner 🤦🏽‍♂️ i had pocket king with ace on the board he reraise me all in and I folded to pocket queen with an ace on the board…. Moral of the story I thought he had the ace…

[@atcjay1-2]

Actually it happens EVERY SINGLE TIME

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

I only play red pocket kings and fold the rest.