Learn GTO preflop theory in MTT poker

K of hearts8 of hearts

Marginal suited king

King-Eight Suited

K8s has a real flush ceiling and useful connectivity, but the eight kicker creates a clear domination risk. It belongs mainly in late-position opens, blind defense and selected short-stack plays.

Pocket33

How to play K8s by position and stack size

Recommended actionUTG8-maxUTG18-maxLJ6-maxHJ6-maxCO6-maxBTN6-maxSB6-max
100bb+OpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
40-100bbOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
27-40bbFoldOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpen
20-26bbFoldFoldOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
16-19bbFoldFoldOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
11-15bbFoldFoldFoldOpenOpenOpenLimp
7-10bbFoldFoldFoldJamJamJamJam
6bb-FoldFoldJamJamJamJamJam
Open when:Most first-in positions at normal and deep stacks

K8s is already frequent from early seats, while the Small Blind can mix open, limp, and fold.

3bet when:Occasionally as a blind resteal against a wide late open

Use it as a bluff, not as a hand that welcomes a call.

Call when:In position or in the Big Blind at a good price

Avoid calling tight early ranges that contain many better kings.

Jam when:A 10-15bb late-position chart

Do not force an all-in at deeper stacks. supports an open-jam or reshove.

Fold when:Facing a tight open, 3-bet or multiway pressure

A king-high pair can be dominated and a low flush can be second-best.

Strong against

K of spades7 of spades
K7s

K7s shares the King but has the weaker kicker, making a dominated pair that can still pay K8s.

Weak against

  • K of spades9 of spades
    K9s

    K9s shares the King with the better kicker, so K8s can make a costly second-best pair.

Flop classes

Q of spades9 of spades2 of hearts
Four-card flush draw

With K♠8♠ on Q♠ 9♠ 2♦, continue when the price supports this king-high non-nut draw, while respecting higher spades.

K of spades7 of hearts3 of hearts
King-high top pair

On K♣ 7♦ 3♥, use a small size or check. Better Kx limits value.

Q of spadesJ of heartsT of hearts
Straight connectivity

On Q♣ J♦ T♥, K8s has a gutshot to a nine, because 8-9-T-J-Q completes the straight. Do not call it an open-ender.

Strategic notes

Versus 3-bets
  • Fold to standard 3-bets. A position-based call can exist against a very wide late range, but the threshold is much higher out of position.
  • If you call and flop top pair, plan for pot control. Do not treat the blocker as a post-flop value edge.
Post-flop playability
  • K8s can make a four-card flush draw With two same-suit hole cards and two matching flop cards, it is a king-high non-nut flush draw because the ace of spades is still available.
  • Straight connectivity improves over K7s, but a broadway-looking board does not automatically give K8s a draw. Label only the actual missing rank from the exact cards.
  • In position, use checks and calls to realize equity. Out of position, fold weak pairs more often.

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