A8s from MP, first in — fold, call or raise?
The answer
Raise
open-raise
The math: The MP chart opens every suited ace. A8s is a clear open.
Why
A8s can be out-kicked when it pairs the ace, but it also blocks premium aces and can make the nut flush. With only the cutoff, button and blinds behind, those properties comfortably earn a first-in raise.
The spot
- Your seat
- MP
- Stakes and stacks
- $1 / $2 · 100bb
- Your hand
- A♥ 8♥
- Board
- Preflop — no board yet
- Pot
- POT · $3
- Action on you
- Folds to you
Every option
Foldgive up the hand
Why not: A8s is inside the MP range. Folding discards nut-flush potential and an ace blocker in an unopened pot.
Calllimp in
Why not: Limping gives up initiative with a hand the chart raises. Open 2.5bb instead of inviting the blinds in cheaply.
Raiseopen-raiseCorrect
2bb · $4 · 2.5bb · $5 · 3bb · $6
The idea behind it
Suited aces are valuable for more than top pair: blockers and nut-flush equity make them robust opening hands. This simplified MP range includes all of them.
Concept: Position widens ranges
Terms in this spot
Play it instead of reading it
The trainer deals this hand with hints, grading and spaced repetition — and randomized variations of it once you have seen it.