Pocket Kings are the second best starting hand in Texas Holdem. When you look down and see two cowboys, you know you are sitting in the driver's seat. Only one hand will have you in trouble preflop, and that is if someone else at the table is holding pocket Aces. If you are unlucky and find your pocket kings against a pair of aces, you will be a 4 to 1 underdog. Against any other starting hand, you are a significant favorite. Although cowboys are the second best starting hand, your play may differ from your play with aces. This is due to the possibility of seeing an Ace on the flop. If you slow play aces, there is no one specific card that you want to avoid on the flop. With aces, you are hoping for a ragged flop with no pairs, suited or connected cards. With Kings, a lone Ace on the flop can spell disaster.

When you slow play pocket kings, you allow other players with marginal hands to see the flop cheaply. Let's say you slow play pocket kings from the dealer position. One player has already limped in ahead of you and both blinds call. The flop is A-9-2 of different suits. Since a player limped in ahead of you and both blinds have joined, any of the three players could hold a lone ace and have you in terrible position. If a player has an Ace in this situation, you would be more than a 10 to 1 underdog in the hand. With any sign of strength, you would have little choice but to throw your hand away. A hand that may have eliminated the weak aces preflop with a bet.

Although pocket Kings are a fantastic hand, consider raising the majority of the time to thin the field and eliminate the players with a weak ace. If players join you in the hand, be cautious and don't be afraid to throw your hand away if an ace appears on the flop. A good rule is to play your kings strong, but play them smart.