My "feel" was that calling with AA is automatic. However, after doing the math schmath, I am again reminded of how counter-intuitive poker is. Assuming a $1 (+ rake) 10-player SNG, if all ten players call, then the winner would get $5 for first place. What everybody has forgotten is that the nine losers would all be out at the same time so would have to split the remaining $5 in the prize pool, or 55.5¢ each.
$EV of calling = ~30% * $5 + 70% * ($5 / 9) = $1.50 + $0.39 = +$1.89.
$EV of folding AA = ~100% * $3 for 2nd place = +$3.
Even in the situation where there are two winners splitting the huge pot, you would still win at least third place, so your folding $EV of at least $2 is still higher than calling.
Therefore, in the extreme case of everybody going all-in in a SNG (that is non winner-take-all), if I was the last person to act, I would
fold AA! :eek: This would be similar to everybody going all-in in the WSOP Main Event final table and if I was a short stack like James Akenhead in the BB, I would fold AA to be assured of a higher prize.
OK, now that I've exercised my poker brain, it's time to drive out to Fallsview....
darbday;203131 wroteK everyones doing different numbers id like to assume a 50 30 20 payout....but who gets third for one thing? And i have aces as a 30% favorite in the first hand.
so Calling is 30% of 1st place?
and folding is 100% of 2nd no?
if payouts are 2 3 and 5 bux
.3 x 5 is 1.5 for calling and 3 for folding?