Dominated Hands

The problem with playing high cards paired with low cards (A3, K 5, etc.) is that these hands are frequently "dominated." You might pair the Ace or King and have a winning hand, but if you get any action, it will be from another player who at a minimum has paired the Ace or King and has a higher hole card (stronger kicker). It is costly to routinely play cards that only get action when the hand is second best. It is not enough to just have the winning hand. To profit, you must get paid when your hand is the best. If a hand with a weak kicker holds up, it usually will not be paid.