I think to some degree it depends on how the whole table is playing in general. There are cases where I would limp AK, AQ, JJ in EP every time and cases where I would raise them every time, I think it depends on the likelihood of facing a re-raise behind you. But in general terms, I tend to not raise AQ early, my problem with not raising with AK is that I want the field limited if I'm going to hit an ace or a king, so I like to make a raise most of the time.

Yes, the nature of the table dictates what to do with the marginal hands. Personally, I always raise with JJ or AK from EP no matter the nature of the game. Once you limp with AK and watch the button call with Q6 of clubs, spike 2 pair, and shove your TPTK up your blowhole you will find yourself raising most of the time with it.

For me, the marginal hands start at AQ and 1010. I have been experimenting with limping with AQ and 1010 in the first 3 spots and have been saving some money I think. If the game is tightish though I will raise from these hands from up front.

gl

YD

Agreed with YD above.

I think the argument for raising with JJ in EP is obvious. It is a great hand, yet so vulnerable all at the same time. I guess the argument here is at what point in EP do you "set it or forget it," and at what point do you begin to think that your "high PP" can win unimproved? You want to get people with junk like K8s out to give you a better shot at a 2-way pot, so you have to raise--make people pay to see that flop that could beat you.

I also agree with Yogadude that limping up front with AQ and TT will save you some money later on, especially considering that SO many players will call a raise in MP/LP/on the button with a hand like QTo or KTo. An overcard on the flop usually means that you're beat. That is also the argument for NOT raising with JJ/TT. If you raise, it's a good bet that the people who will call will definitely have you beat with an overcard, and you'll have wasted the xBB you invested in a raise, only to see it busted by a clown.

The answer is, as always, "It depends."

On the $25 tables I play, I don't typically raise in EP w/ AK, AQ, JJ. Usually your raise gets called a couple times, and then on the flop, ppl will call w/ any pair or any draw, so it's tough to take it down when you miss. And being out of position sucks. Out of these 3 hands, I like raising JJ best up front b/c of the potential to bust someone when it comes AJx. There is also some value in the deception of limping. Sometimes I'll use sooooootedness as my guide on whether to raise or limp.

If the table is tight, of course I'll raise these hands to get it heads up. I've also started raising medium suited connectors in EP on tight tables, which I know a lot of ppl do here - it's pretty fun. When ppl see you limp utg w/ [Ks] and raise w/ [6h], you're going to confuse a whole lot of them.