The $1000 Ace

If there was ever a time you needed to be good at bluffing, it's when you hold A-2 and are confident your opponent holds A-higher.

If they hold A-J or better, your battleship is probably sunk. They're gonna call.

Unless you've violated the $1000 Ace rule.

In the Monopoly-Money games I play online, someone pairs an ace on the flop, the "typical" bet is $1000. $400 means they hit something other than the ace on the flop. $2800 or more seems to indicate they hit two pair -- or at least, that's what they want other players to think.

At least that's the GENERAL idea. Its what a player being "honest" with the other players is GENERALLY trying to communicate about his or her hand. It's what most players are willing to RISK on a pair of aces, at that point.

Based on the betting, you can generally tell what level this particular hand is; a battle between pairs, a battle between two pairs, or is there a possible flush/straight showing.

The trick is to overbet; to bet AS IF you are playing the next higher level of game, when in fact you're stuck with the same Ace pair the other guy has.

Or to bet ambiguously, betting somewhere BETWEEN what an Ace pair is generally worth, and what two pair commands.

Now, someone slowplaying a set, two pair, or whatever may sink your battleship, since they may not feel a need to raise, and thereby communicate they're actually PLAYING at a higher level.

But if you've kept the other player, who also holds an Ace, wondering the hole, err, whole time whether you simply hold an Ace with a fabulous kicker, or two pair, you may be able to win this hand.

Soo, based on all your information, decide if you're in a high-pair win games, a two-pair wins game, or whatever, and make it appear you're in the "higher level" game when you suspect you're in a dead heat with a single opponent.

Once in a while, it'll work, and you won't have to toss away A-2.