Calling With Overcards

In Texas holdem, it is common to play two big cards, since these cards have a good chance of flopping a strong hand. However, what may often happen is that you flop overcards to the board -- for example, you hold AK and the flop is 9 4 3. It’s important to know what to do in these situations.

When to Call With Overcards

If you bet pre-flop and are first to act on the flop, it’s not a bad idea to continuation bet with these big cards. However, if someone has bet before you, it’s a different story. There are two reasons you might call a flop bet with overcards. The first is because you suspect your opponent missed the flop as well and is just continuation betting. The second is because you intend to bluff on the turn or river and try to take the pot away.

Showdown Value of Overcards

What you should not do is call with the idea that you are likely to have the best hand by the river. People are used to seeing that, AK vs. a pair is “a coin flip,” meaning that it has a about a 50-50 chance of winning the hand. However, this is before any cards have been dealt and with the opportunity to see all five. If you miss the flop with your overcards, you have only six outs, meaning you are a little worse than 25 percent to hit if you get to see both the turn and the river. Furthermore, your opponent could be playing top pair with an ace or king kicker, meaning even if you hit your hand you could be dead to two pair and it could be even more costly to hit than to miss.

Playing Overcards

There are situations when it is correct to proceed with your overcards. However, if you miss the flop, remember that all you have is a high card hand. In most cases, it is prudent to fold and wait for a better opportunity.