A pair of kings is the second best starting hand in the game of No-Limit Texas Hold'em. In any position, you should raise this hand about three to four times the big blind. Betting puts pressure on your opponents to fold their weaker holdings. Ideally, you would like to have less than three callers. Adjust your pre-flop raise depending on how the table is playing. If your opponents are calling a lot of hands, you may want to increase your pre-flop raise to five times the big blind. Regardless of the flop, you should bet out about three quarters of the pot size. When an ace flops, you still want to play aggressive on the flop. Betting on the flop forces your opponents to define their hands. Betting allows you to represent the ace on the board and possibly take down the pot. If you get callers on an ace high flop, proceed with caution. It is very likely that one of your opponents hit his pair of aces. On any other type of flop, keep playing aggressive on the turn and river if there are no obvious hands that have you beat. Check when you see obvious flush or straights on the board.

Past observation of your opponent should give you information on how they play. Playing pocket kings aggressively will give you the best chance to win a huge pot. Watch out for ace high flops and possible made draws. These boards are very dangerous to play aggressively. Sometimes an opponent will hit three of a kind on you and you will have a big decision to make. By being very observant, you should be able to read who is likely to hold three of a kind when you are check-raised. Beginners need to learn how to lay down big hands when it is obvious that they are beat. Observe your opponent's play and playing KK will be easy.

Return to Poker-A-Z.Com's - Online Poker Index