Can Aces Hold Up in Multi-Way Pots?

Poker might be a lot easier when it’s you against a single opponent, but that’s not always how it goes down. What should you do when a pot becomes a party?

How do multiway pots differ from heads-up pots?

The key difference is with odds calculations. When you’ve got Aces heads-up you know you’re in great shape, but when you’re in a multi-way pot your position is a lot more precarious. Say the blinds are 25/50 and you raise to 150 with Aces; if the person next to you calls it can start a limp-fest with other players entering for value. If one person calls with Tens, the next person might call with 8c-9c, and then the button could call 6h-5h. So it’s easy to see how there can be a huge range of hands going to the flop, especially in the early stages of a tournament or cash game. If you were in the pot heads-up against the player with Tens you’d be an 80% favourite. With those other hands in as well you’re no better than 50/50.