KK from MP, first in — fold, call or raise?
The answer
Raise
open-raise
The math: Pocket kings are second only to aces. They open from every seat.
Why
Only aces beat kings before the flop. Raise to build a pot and, just as important, to thin the field so fewer opponents can flop the ace that beats you. Limping does the opposite.
The spot
POT · $3
preflop
Folds to you
K♠
K♥
MP
$1 / $2 · 100bb
- Your seat
- MP
- Stakes and stacks
- $1 / $2 · 100bb
- Your hand
- K♠ K♥
- Board
- Preflop — no board yet
- Pot
- POT · $3
- Action on you
- Folds to you
Every option
Foldgive up the hand
Why not: Kings are the second-best hand in poker — folding them is unthinkable.
Calllimp to trap
Why not: Limping kings invites a crowd and lets an ace flop cheaply; raise to thin the field.
Raiseopen-raiseCorrect
2bb · $4 · 2.5bb · $5 · 3bb · $6
The idea behind it
Big pairs want fewer opponents and a bigger pot — both of which a raise delivers and a limp surrenders.
Concept: Premium hands
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.