How to Play Ace-Three Suited in Poker

Introduction

Ace-Three suited is not as strong as premium hands like pocket aces (A♠A♥) or ace-king suited (A♠K♠), but it holds more potential than lower unsuited connectors.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to play Ace-Three suited in Poker.

What is Ace-Three Suited?

In poker, "Ace Three suited" refers to having an Ace and a Three of the same suit (such as Ace of hearts and Three of hearts) in your hand.

How to play Ace-Three Suited in Cash Games

Preflop

From Early Position (UTG, UTG+1)

Raise or Fold: A3s is generally a weak hand to play from the early position due to the high likelihood of facing stronger hands. It is usually better to fold A3s from these positions. However, if the table is particularly passive and you believe you can steal the blinds, you can raise the bet occasionally. For example - You are UTG with A3s in a full-ring game. Given the weak nature of the hand and the disadvantageous position, you decide to fold.

From Middle Position (MP1, MP2)

Raise or Fold: In the middle position, A3s can be played more liberally, especially if the table is passive or you have a tight image. A standard raise can help you thin the field and take control of the hand. For example - You are MP1 with A3s. The players to your left are tight, and you have not seen much aggression from them. You decide to raise 3x of the big blind to try and steal the blinds or play post-flop in position.

From Late Position (CO, BTN)

Raise: In late position, A3s becomes a much stronger hand. You can raise to steal the blinds and antes and have a better chance of seeing a favourable flop. If there are limpers, raising can help you isolate weaker players. For example - You are on the button (BTN) with A3s. The action folds to you, and you raise 2.5x the big blind to steal the blinds or play post-flop with the position.

From Blinds (SB, BB)

Small Blind (SB): A3s can be played aggressively or passively, depending on the action. Raising is often the best way to take control of the hand if it is folded to you. If there are limpers, raising to isolate is also a good strategy. Calling is also an option to see a flop cheaply. For example - You are in the small blind (SB) with A3s. The action folds to you, and you raise 3x the big blind to put pressure on the big blind.

Big Blind (BB): If facing a raise, you can call with A3s as it has good potential to hit a flush or straight. Raising can help you build the pot and take control if facing multiple limpers. For example - You are in the big blind (BB) with A3s. The button raises 2.5x the big blind, and you call to see a flop with a hand that can flop well.

Postflop

At Flop:

When You Hit: If you flop a flush draw, a pair, or a straight draw, continue aggressively. Bet or raise to build the pot and potentially win it right there. If you flop a flush, bet for value. For example - You raised the preflop from the button with A3s, and the flop comes K♦ 7♠ 4♠. You have a flush draw. You bet 70% of the pot to apply pressure and potentially take the pot down.

When You Miss: If you miss the flop entirely, proceed cautiously. Check or make a small continuation bet if the flop is dry and likely to have also missed your opponent. For example - You called from the big blind with A3s, and the flop comes J♣ 9♦ 5♥. You have nothing, so you check, and if the opponent bets, you can decide to fold or call based on their bet size and style of play.

At Turn:

When You Improve: If you hit a flush, two pairs, or better, bet for value. If you turn in additional equity (e.g., a second flush draw), continue betting or raising. For example - You bet the flop with a flush draw, and the turn brings the 2♠, completing your flush. You bet 75% of the pot to extract value from worse hands and draws.

When You Miss: Pay attention to your opponent's gameplay if you do not improve. You might continue bluffing if the turn card is scary for your opponent (e.g., an overcard). Otherwise, be ready to check-fold. For example - The turn is the Q♣, and you still have just Ace-high with a flush draw. You might bet to represent a strong hand if the opponent is tight. If they are loose, you might check and take a free card.

At River:

When You Hit: If you make your flush or two pairs, bet for value. Be mindful of your opponent's potential stronger hands and size your bets accordingly. For example - The river completes your flush, and you bet 60-80% of the pot to get called by weaker hands or a smaller flush.

When You Miss: If you miss all your draws and have Ace-high, check-fold if your opponent shows strength. For example - The river does not improve your hand, and you have Ace-high. The opponent bets, and you fold, realizing you cannot win the hand by calling.

Facing Other Postflop Betting Actions

Continuation Bets (C-Bets)

Against a C-Bet:

You Hit a Strong Draw: Check-raise or call to build the pot. For example - The flop comes 8♠ 6♠ 2♦. You have a flush draw. Check-raise or call a c-bet.

You Hit a Pair: Call a small bet, but be cautious of larger bets. For example - The flop comes A♣ 5♠ 3♦. You have a bottom pair. Call a small c-bet.

You Miss Completely: Fold to significant aggression unless you plan to bluff later streets. For example - The flop comes from K♦ J♦ 7♣. You missed. Check-fold to a c-bet.

Double Barrels (Turn Bets)

Against a Turn Bet:

You Improve: Raise or call to extract value if you improve. For example, the turn is the Q♠, giving you a flush and straight draw. Bet or check-raise.

You Pick Up Additional Equity: Semi-bluff with added outs. For example, the turn is the 5♠, giving you a flush and straight draw. Bet or check-raise.

You Miss Again: Check and fold to aggression. For example - The turn is the 9♣, and you still have Ace-high. Check and fold to a bet.

Triple Barrels (River Bets)

Against a River Bet:

You Complete Your Draw: Bet for value. For example - The river completes your flush. Bet for value.

You Miss Your Draw: Bluff only if you believe your opponent can fold better hands. For example, you have Ace-high if the river does not complete your draw. Bluff if the situation warrants it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play A3s if you hit a flush draw on the flop?

Play aggressively if you hit a flush draw on the flop with A3s. You can either bet if your opponent checks or check-raise if they bet. This allows you to build the pot and apply pressure, potentially winning the hand outright.

What to do if you hit a top pair with Ace-high on the flop?

If you hit a top pair with Ace-high, proceed cautiously. Bet for value on dry boards, but be prepared to fold to aggression, as your kicker is weak.

What if you face a large bet on the flop with A3s?

If you face a large bet on the flop, consider folding unless you have a strong draw or top pair. Large bets usually indicate strength, and A3s do not fare well against strong ranges without enough equity.

How to play A3s in a multiway pot post-flop?

In multiway pots, play A3s more conservatively. Focus on hitting strong hands or draws, and avoid bluffing into multiple opponents. Multiway pots generally have higher chances of someone holding a strong hand, so prioritize making hands overdraw.

Conclusion

While Ace Three Suited may not always guarantee success, its potential to hit flushes and occasionally straights makes it a valuable asset in the right circumstances. Whether you fold, call, or raise with this hand, remember that poker rewards patience and adaptability. By implementing the above-mentioned tips in your game, you can make smarter decisions while playing an Ace-Three-suited hand.