AK Preflop — The Math
Ace-King is the strongest non-pair starting hand in Hold'em. It looks great. It feels great. But when someone shoves all-in and you're holding AK, the decision isn't as automatic as it seems.
AK vs Specific Hands
- AK vs AA: ~7% equity — you're almost drawing dead. Only way to win is a unlikely straight or runner-runner.
- AK vs KK: ~30% equity — dominated. You need an Ace to survive.
- AK vs QQ: ~43% equity — a classic race. Slight underdog.
- AK vs JJ-22: ~43-46% equity — coin flip territory.
- AK vs AQ: ~74% equity — dominating. This is where AK shines.
- AK vs KQ: ~72% equity — strong domination.
- AK vs random hand: ~65% equity — clear favorite.
Run any matchup yourself with our Poker Odds Calculator.
When to Call
- Cash games, 100bb deep: Against most opponents, calling is standard. You have ~40% equity against a typical all-in range (QQ+, AK), and if they're wider than that, you're in even better shape.
- Tournaments, early stages: Same as cash games. ICM pressure is low, chip-EV is what matters.
- Against a loose all-in range: If your opponent shoves with hands like AQ, KQ, JJ, TT — you're a favorite against their range.
When to Fold
- Very tight opponent's range: If you're confident they only shove AA and KK, you have ~22% equity. Fold.
- Tournament bubble: Even against a reasonable range, the ICM cost of busting out can make folding AK correct. Use the ICM Calculator to check.
- Final table with big pay jumps: Surviving one more elimination might be worth more than doubling your stack.
The Real Answer
In cash games, almost always call. In tournaments, it depends on the situation. The key variable isn't your hand — it's your opponent's range. Against a tight range (AA-QQ), you're behind. Against a wide range (any pair, AQ+, KQ), you're ahead. Read the player, not just your cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AK a favorite against any pocket pair?
No. AK is an underdog against every pocket pair preflop. Against AA it has ~7% equity. Against KK, ~30%. Against QQ-22, it's a slight underdog at ~43-46%. It only dominates non-pair hands like AQ, KQ, and AJ.
Is AK suited better than AK offsuit for all-ins?
Slightly. AKs has about 2-3% more equity than AKo in all-in situations. The flush possibility adds enough equity to matter over thousands of hands, but for a single all-in decision the difference is marginal.
Should I ever fold AK preflop?
In tournaments with significant ICM pressure — yes. Near the bubble or at a final table, folding AK to an all-in from a tight player can be correct because the risk of elimination outweighs the potential chip gain.