A♣5♣ SB vs BTN, preflop, 100 bb
The spot
- You: SB
- Opponent: BTN
- Your hand: A♣5♣
- Board: preflop, no board yet
- Effective stack: 100 bb
- Pot: 3.5 bb
BTN opens 2bb.
Best default action?
See the answer
Best play: 3-bet to 9bb
Why
A5s 3‑bets as a SB bluff/semi-value: the ace blocker reduces BTN's continues, the wheel and nut-flush potential give it equity when called, and flatting out of position plays poorly versus an in-position raiser.
Key idea
Out of position in the SB, prefer 3-betting strong suited aces over flatting to avoid playing a multiway/dominated pot without initiative.