How do you play pocket aces?

Raise it for value from every seat, and when someone raises in front of you, re-raise. Aces win the most when the pot gets big early, so the slow-played trap is usually a mistake in a cash game where stacks are deep. The one time to ease off the gas is on a wet board against heavy action when a single pair of aces can already be behind.

This hand opens for a raise from every position, including under the gun.

Common mistake: Slow-playing aces preflop to be tricky. Limping or flat-calling lets four other players in cheaply, and aces are a one-pair hand that hates a crowd.

Quick tip: Get money in before the flop. One pair shrinks fast as more cards and more players arrive.