Big Slick

Big Slick is a nickname for AxKx, which was originally called "Santa Barbara" from the destructive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara. It eventually transformed into "Big Slick.".

What is a Big Slick in Poker?

This is a term used to describe the Ace-King hand in Texas Hold’em Poker. It's often referred to as "big slick" because it's a big hand, but it can be slippery: it's got a lot of potential, but it could also lead to a big loss if not played correctly.

Understanding Big Slick

Big slick is a starting hand in Texas Hold'em Poker that consists of an Ace and a King. These are two of the highest ranking cards you can have as a starting hand, making this a very strong, although somewhat risky, hand to play.

The term comes from the fact that these two cards together can be very strong – big – but also very slippery or tricky to play – slick. While you have a good high-card strength, you don't yet have a pair or any other winning poker hand, which can make strategy complicated.

How to play the Big Slick

Playing a big slick well requires a balance of aggressive and cautious play. It is not a made hand yet, but it has the potential to turn into a powerful one after the flop (the first three community cards that are dealt after the first betting round). One of the potential dangers of big slick is that, because it's so high ranking, many players overvalue it and tend to bet too aggressively pre-flop.

Here's a list of steps to consider when you're dealt a big slick:

• Pay attention to your position: If you’re in an early position, you could raise to scare off weaker hands.
• Pay attention to the others: if the table is playing very aggressively, it can be smarter to fold a big slick pre-flop than to risk too much.
• The number of players in the game: Big slick plays better in a game with fewer players.
• The flop: If the flop gives you an Ace or a King, you’re in a strong position.

Example of "Big Slick"

For instance, if you're dealt an Ace and King, you have Big Slick. This hand has a good chance of becoming a high pair or a straight, but it could still be beaten by any made hand like a pair, two pairs, or three of a kind.

• [] "He was dealt Big Slick and decided to raise pre-flop to try and thin the field."
  [] "Despite having Big Slick, she decided to fold after the flop came with three low cards of different suits."

• "With Big Slick, he managed to hit a straight on the river and win a big pot."

Big Slick FAQs