The Big Slick Ruse
In Texas hold'em, the big slick is slang for an ace and a king for hole cards. These are two of the high single cards in poker. Pretty good starting cards, don't you think? Well, it sure looks like it but here's the ruse, they're not worth much to start with.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the big slick ruse, let's break down the phases in Texas hold'em. The flop's when three community cards are shown and the draw covers the turn and the river when one card each is revealed to complete the five community cards for everyone to use.
Now, to the tricky part, unlike the pocket pair and pocket aces, the big slick has little chances of improving at the flop and at the draw. Reality is, from the start, they are just high single cards. If everyone else was playing with singles in poker, you've got it made but that's not the case, is it?
At the highest probability, it may develop into a pair. Otherwise, the chances for a two-pair or even a high straight are pretty slim. If you think about it, hoping that the flop would produce either a king or an ace is already pushing it. And if the flop doesn't reveal two of the needed three cards for the straight (which are the queen, jack, and ten), it's not worth playing on to see the draw.
There are players who perceive the big slick as a potentially winnable hand. That can be true but better hope for an ace or a king at the flop, though. Otherwise, it's recommended to fold it before the draw.
What if you get a suited big slick? That's an ace and a king of the same suit. You can add a royal flush to the hole cards' possibilities, but think of the odds. The only point when you can make the decision to raise or fold is after the flop. If it doesn't show the cards you need, just fold. While waiting on the flop, it's advisable to slow play or just call the bets rather than raising the wager.
The big slick looks pretty good for hole cards. But don't fall for its ruse. There are limited possibilities for it to improve. If you get an ace and a king for hole cards, wait on the flop before you decided to fold or continue. For the time being, adopt a slow play at the pre-flop to protect your chips rather wishing to beat the odds in Texas hold'em.