The ace-high board is pocket kings' biggest weakness. Learn how to respond in 3-bet pots vs. single-raised pots.
KK is the second-strongest hand in poker, right behind AA. Preflop, it dominates nearly every other hand.
But when an ace hits the board, everything changes dramatically. You're now behind every Ax hand in your opponent's range (AK, AQ, AJ, etc.).
In a 3-bet pot, Villain (BB) range includes: AA, AK, AQ, KK, QQ, JJ, AJs, etc.
Villain's c-bet range contains AK/AQ/AJ for value + JJ/QQ as thin value + KQ/KJ as bluffs
KK beats Villain's bluffs (JJ, QQ, etc.) but loses to all Ax (AA, AK, AQ, AJ)
→ Calling is correct. Folding immediately is far too weak
However, if Villain continues with large bets on turn/river, reassess
In a single-raised pot, BB's calling range is rich in Ax: AT, AJ, A9, A4, etc.
BB calls flop → high probability of holding Ax
Checking the turn = pot control. Further betting only gets called by Ax
On the river, check-check or a small bet for bluff-catching is optimal
Source: Upswing Poker, 888Poker
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