Small pocket pairs are perhaps the hardest hands to play because they carry some pre-flop strength, but then drop dramatically in value on a wide variety of flops.
You therefore need to be extremely selective about when you play small pocket pairs; using them too often will result in you needlessly giving up chips, due to constant folding.
A common misconception is that pocket pairs can be played in any position, since they are a pre-flop pair. However, they will be dominated on any flop that pairs one of your opponent’s cards, a scenario that will be all the more likely when multiple players stick around to see the flop.
The real strength with this technique is when they turn into trips, three-of-a-kind, on the flop or turn, which is why you want to see as many cheap flops as possible when you have a small pair.
When not to Call a Pre-flop Raise
In early position, in a standard ten-handed game, you will be folding small pocket pairs almost all the time, the only exception being if the table is extremely timid. The reason is that if you call in early position and someone raises you will be forced to fold and waste your bets.
In middle position you can go ahead and call with hands like fives and sixes, unless the table is extremely aggressive with much raising. In late position, calling with any pocket pair is typically safe if there has not been a pre-flop raise already.
Give it up and Fold
If the flop comes and you do not improve your hand and there is at least one card on the board higher than your pocket pair and someone bets, you will have to fold. You will have a hard time deciding your opponent’s hand strength; there is also a chance that your own hand will improve on the turn and river. It is much easier to fold and save your money.
Turning a Profit on a Big Hand
Flopping a big hand is the time to make money. Against one or two opponents on a rainbow flop, you can try to trap them for maximum profit. Against many opponents and boards with potential straight and flush draws you are going to need to play your hand aggressively in order to protect it.
Key Points
• Always fold in early position, with a few exceptions.
• Do not call a pre-flop raise.
• Be prepared to fold if you do not improve your hand on the flop.
• If you improve on the flop, evaluate the situation and see if you should trap or project your hand.
Chris
- Chris Laquinta is a magazine editor, content specialist and poker fanatic with 10+ years writing experience and over 1,500 published articles. Chris is a naitive of Southern California, where he spent his entire life learning gaming concepts and theories from relatives that had been former professional gamblers. He currently resides in Torrance, CA where he works as a professional content writer and part-time SNG professional.
