The worst thing that could hurt your game is by playing a single ace.

If you only recently started playing poker and you don't win as often as you believe you should, it could be very likely because you are playing a single ace. Since an ace is the most valued card in a poker deck, it can be very hard for players to resist it. Your strategies in playing the hands A2 to AJ can make a lot of difference both in your long-term and short-term goals. Poker is a complicated game. Aces are high-value cards and you might not want to fold them each time you get one. But if you continue losing money by playing a single ace, you may want to consider changing your tactics. Here are the instances where you should let go of the hand.

You Are Out Of Position

The significance of position, especially when you are playing easily dominated or marginal hands, can never be emphasized enough. Generally, you must fold all A-x cards you are dealt when you're out of position, in spite of the second card's value or if they are suited. This rule should be strictly followed and should only be neglected when there's a very great reason to doing it.

You Are Overdrawing

If you got the draw for the nut-flush, there is still no need to put your entire stack on the pot. Keep in mind that unless you reach the flush, what you got is just the ace high. Your aim is to maintain that the pots will be small, have a lead in the hand and take the pot when you hit. In general, unless you got a very big leverage over other players or you're aware that your implied odds are huge, you don't want to play heads up in raised pots even if the A-x is suited.

You Are Overplaying The Hand

The usual reason why a player loses money over playing a single ace is because they are overplaying their hand. Even though it's a suited one, it is still weak especially in a heads-up pot. If you can't come across a large flop, it would be better to keep the pots small. It is never a good thing to go broke in just one pair.

In summary, you should avoid playing a single ace in instances where (1) you are in the position; (2) you can spend little and win a reasonable pot and (3) your implied odds of winning a large pot is huge. Unless this is not applicable in your situation, dump the card.