QA-Jon wants to know when to laydown a big hand preflop

In the general scheme of things in no limit hold ‘em, how much of an indication of skill is the ability to get off a very big starting hand? For example folding QQ or AK suited before the flop in the face of an all in re-raise.  Both times I encountered this situation, once with QQ vs AA and once with AK suited vs QQ and I got out before the flop.  I have been playing for 3 years in a couple of amateur leagues and I think that lately I have been playing better than I ever have.  I know that these situations don’t come along often and that if you make the wrong decision it can become very expensive. I was wondering what your take on situations such as these would be.

Jon

Dear Jon

Being able to fold those kinds of huge hands is a very big indication of skill.  In multi way situations where, say, you raise, someone reraises and a new player moves all in you really ought to be folding those hands like Ak and QQ since you are generally hoping that you are in a race and not completely crushed.  You should call big all ins when your best hope is a 50/50.

In heads up situations you need to know your opponent.  If only one opponent moves in on me I want to know if they might do that with JJ or worse.  If they are capable of that then you really have to call.  If they are not, you should always fold.

Good luck in your league.  Sounds like you are doing great!

xo
Annie