A rag ace is a starting hand of an ace and a low kicker. It is an ace plus another card which is below ten. So an ace rag can be A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 or A9. Some may argue that it is only up to A6 which you can consider an ace-rag.
How to play
Intermediate players and better players will know what to do with an ace rag. You need to fold this as they will not win you big pots. They can but very rarely. Rag aces can cause you some money if your opponents get better kicker.
If you decide to play on you can only hope to make a top pair. In case you will get action from other players, like when they raise pre-flop,most likely they have aces and they have a better kicker than you. There is also a chance that they have rag ace which can be worse than what you have but you can never be certain and risking a good amount of money is not ideal.
You can win a small pot when you are able to make a pair of aces. Either your opponents will fold because they have a bad hand or they will call or raise which will only make you wonder what they really have. In case your opponent has an ace rag too, most likely you will be splitting the pot.
You can also get a pair with your kicker. Again this is only a small pot opportunity from another player who has a top pair but with a bad kicker.
Another scenario is to have two pairs upon seeing the flop but you will be playing against someone who has a better kicker than yours. It is a losing picture and will never be profitable.
Rag aces can be played when you are playing in short-handed games. When you have a good position against five players or even less, but utmost care should still be taken.
If you are a beginner who is still trying to gain your grounds and learning the foundations of the game, forcing the issue with your ace-rag will not do you any good.
