Ask Hoyt - 03/10/07
On TV, many of the pros seem to treat AK as if it is the best possible hand. But when I play big slick, it often gets cracked. How do you play AK?
Big Bob in Tallahassee
AK is a good hand Bob, especially if it is suited. No matter if you put a small raise or go all in, unless the caller has AA you aren’t dominated before the flop.
In a cash game, I will make a small raise if I am the first to act. If someone raises ahead of me, I just usually smooth call. If the flop hits you, you might consider a check raise. If it misses you altogether, and your opponent raises – fold. In a tournament, move in on a favorable flop. But in all cases remember, big slick is a drawing hand, and if you miss, you can be sent to the rail or an ATM by a pair of deuces.
I’ve heard that many pros will agree to split pots when it gets down to the final two or three players in a tournament. How do you feel about that?
Steve in Lubbock
Many pros will agree to split the pot in some way when it comes to the final table. Sometimes they will split a portion of the money and play for a “side pot” to the finalist. There are some pros, including me, that don’t like that practice.
I did split a pot once in a tournament. Tommy Grimes, John Gibson and another guy chopped it four ways. The only way I would do it now, is if I was playing heads-up against a personal friend.
What is the best hand you have played so far in your career?
Miller Time in Tuscaloosa
Tough question. I guess the most famous, and certainly one of my favorites, is the play I made against Phil Hellmuth Jr. I had an AJ and Phil a K9. Phil raised preflop to $25,000. The flop was AKT. He checked, I bet $80,000 and Phil smooth called. A king came on the turn. He wanted to trap me and checked again. I checked too. I hit the ace on the river and bet $125,000. Phil called, and he wasn’t particularly happy with the result.
Editor’s Note: The hand above Hoyt referenced was from the WPT Foxwoods final table in 2003. When the hand took place, they were three-handed with Mohammed Ibrahim who knocked out Hellmuth. Hoyt won the tournament and took home $1,089,200.
How did you build your reputation as an aggressive tournament player?
Steve in Biloxi
Reputations can be deceiving Steve. A good tournament player's style evolves with the structure of the tournament. At some levels you have to play tight, and at others you have to get aggressive. The aggressive hands always make for good TV. To be aggressive, you have to walk a line. It's like trying to get as close to the edge of the cliff as you can without falling off. You want a tight aggressive image at a table, but the key is to always keep them guessing.
What is the best advice, in one sentence, that you can give about playing poker?
Chris in Millbrook
Leave your emotions at home.
Editor’s Note: Do you have a question about the game? Top professional poker player Hoyt Corkins will provide you the answer each month in Rounder. Send your questions to AskHoyt@roundermagazine.com and look for the answers in upcoming issues.