How to Play Pocket Rocket Poker (Hint: Open Up Your Game)

There are many nicknames for pocket aces in a game, but the most common is “pocket rockets.” If you’re a player that multi-tables and waits for these scenarios, you’re playing pocket rocket poker.

This term comes from the idea that a pair of aces is like having two rocket launchers in your hand. Other nicknames include “aces up,” “American Airlines,” and “bullets.”

What are pocket rockets in poker?

In poker, pocket rockets are also called by other slang terms such as bullets, and batteries. When you are dealt pocket aces or ace-ace for starting hands, you have been dealt a powerful hand.

Pocket rocket poker strategy

Pocket rockets are the best starting hand you can have, but it’s important to know how to play them correctly. If you’re lucky enough to get dealt pocket rockets preflop, you should be looking to raise and re-raise aggressively in order to build the pot.

In fact, many players will 3-bet or 4-bet when they have pocket rockets in order to discourage other players from competing.

Once the flop comes, you should continue playing aggressively if the board is wet. This means that there are lots of potential cards that could help your opponent improve their hand (e.g., flush or straight draws). By betting and raising heavily, you can force your opponents out of the pot and increase your chances of winning big.

Pocket rockets strategy is all about making the most of your hand when playing against random opponents. Click To Tweet

This means raising and re-raising pre-flop and post-flop in order to build a strong pot. However, if you are playing against known opponents, then it’s important to mix up your play in order to deceive them and gain an advantage.

Let’s take a look at an example of playing pocket rockets in Texas Hold’em: 

Let’s say you’re holding an Ace of hearts and an Ace of spades on the button with some other big stacks at the table. Say there are two raises in front of you and a player two seats over three-bets worth $100. Say you’re sitting with $500 and decide to 4-bet. Players fold to the 3-better who calls. 

Your goal here is to build the pot since you know you have the best hand. 

Post flop things can change. You’re wanting a spread out, rainbow board to continue pounding away. If it’s a Ten high board, this could spell trouble if your opponent is holding something like Jacks or better and will allow you to continue pounding the pot with bets. 

But if the flop pairs, or there’s a flush or straight draw you should look to slow down. Just because you started with the best hand, doesn’t mean you will end with the best hand.