Quote:
Originally Posted by phunkphish
In FLO, do you open this hand or hands like it?
I used to. My reasoning was that it helps cover holes in my range so that I can have strong hands on 2hi of 3hi flops.
But, I've been going through PPT hand rankings. It says that in a 3handed game, this is a bottom 20% hand. (in a 6 handed game, still bottom 40%). I'm not sure how they determine their hand rankings, but they think this has absolutely stinks. Based on those hand rankings, these hands should always be folded unless in the blinds. Additionally, PPT says that KQTTss, eg, is a big upgrade. So is AKJTss, curiously.
Thoughts?
I think the answer to this question depends on the game you are playing in.
In a tighter game where only 3-4 people are seeing the flop, a hand of top pair, top kicker or two pair will frequently be sufficient to win the high hand.
AA is a much more valuable holding in a tight game because it so often makes the best two pair hand when the board pairs with a card that no one is holding.
When AA-QQ is not present, a hand like JQKA will often present itself with similar properties and present additional opportunities for a straight when the board contains the high card which you are not holding.
If 6-7 players are seeing the flop and playing mid-range cards, it's harder for these hands to hold up with much less than the nuts. When the board is paired on the flop, someone usually has trips.
As far as their being suited, you gotta proceed with caution when pursuing anything other than a nut flush draw. If you flop a flush in my 8-16 O8 game, it's going to cost you $40 to call 3 bets to the river if someone else takes the lead.
I value those non nut flush outs against a single villain who is representing a set or made straight. Later position is obviously helpful in figuring that out.