In the popular poker game known as Texas Hold'Em, each player is dealt two cards, the relative strength of which allows them to decide whether to bet or fold early. The best combinations to have are two aces, called "pocket rockets", or two kings, called "pocket cowboys." Another starting hand, however, is considered to be almost as strong, especially during the early rounds of betting. This is the ace-king combination, otherwise known as the "Big Slick."

Many professional poker players consider the Big Slick A-K to be the fourth best opening hand in Texas Hold'Em, right after pairs of aces, kings or queens. Statistically, a player holding a Big Slick stands at least a fifty percent chance of winning the pot, since other players tend to fold when they sense aggressive early bidding. Unlike pairs, however, the Big Slick is not considered a "made hand." The player must rely on the communal flop cards to make anything stronger than Ace high with a King kicker. If the flop does not reveal a second ace or king, or the beginnings of a straight, an inexperienced player with a Big Slick can easily become overextended.

Holding a Big Slick can be a very tricky situation, even for experienced poker players. The temptation to go all-in, betting all available funds, can backfire if the other players are holding any pocket pairs. Instead, some experts suggest players with the Big Slick should raise conservatively before the flop, then remain aggressive enough to pressure a few opponents into folding. A Big Slick does allow a player to increase the size of the pot significantly, but opponents who suspect such a hand may feel more inspired to bluff and force the player to make costly bets after the turn and river rounds.

There are a number of books written by professional poker players which detail the best ways to play a Big Slick. The successful outcome of this fairly strong hand often hinges on the psychology of betting and bluffing, so many experts suggest a player should never fall in love with a Big Slick after the flop. Folding a Big Slick after a disastrous flop could save a player a great deal of money.