Poker Strategy - Watch Out For The Kicker

In a Texas Hold' Em poker game, the kicker is the weaker of your two initial cards you will get dealt in your starting hand. It tends to apply most if your stronger card can be an Ace.

Like If you're dealt A-9 your starting hand is Ace high with 9 kicker. If you're staring down at a miserable 7-2 then it's 7 high with 2 kicker, 99poker and so on.

Over the years I've played poker, I do believe one of the most common mistakes I've noticed is players (including myself) ignoring the kicker, or at least not giving it enough thought.

On a 10 seat table there is a reasonable potential for more than one player being dealt an Ace. So if you should be dealt an A-6, odds are another player is holding an Ace and it's probable that he has a stronger kicker than a 6. A lot of players overlook the kicker, perhaps raise, then get excited when the flop produces another Ace, giving them top pair. Remember, your opponent will also have top pair and with a probable stronger kicker and is therefore ahead. You are depending on catching an unlikely card on the turn or river to win the hand.

I'm not saying never play your Ace-low kicker. Like most situations in poker it very much depends on the particular situation. If there's 10 players at the dining table and you are first to act, you might look at a check or fold. If there's only 2 or 3 opponents then it's still a powerful starting hand, as statistically you're likely to be the only one with an Ace.

Top players frequently have the discipline to fold Ace-rag, as it's known for very good reason!

Best of luck at the tables.

Mark