$20 NL HE 6-max: Stop Losing Big Pots With Top Pair Top Kicker

R

Renkashita

Rising Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Jul 31, 2025
Total posts
3
PH
Chips
37
One of the biggest leaks I see (and sometimes still struggle with) is overvaluing Top Pair Top Kicker (TPTK) — like flopping AK on a K-high board and refusing to believe I’m beat.

TPTK is strong heads-up but far from invincible. I often see players lose entire stacks with it when they could have saved chips by folding earlier.

Here’s what I focus on:

  • I read the board texture — is it dry or draw-heavy?
  • I watch opponent tendencies — a tight player suddenly raising big often means I’m crushed.
  • I try not to marry my hand — if the action screams I’m behind, I fold.
I’m curious how you all handle spots where you flop TPTK but face huge aggression on later streets. Any rules or tells you rely on? When do you not fold it?

Let’s share ideas to plug this leak together.
 
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