how do you play pocket pairs?

gerry87

How do you play medium pocket pairs like 7's, 8's or 9's? Do you raise preflop or just call and throw them away if you don't hit your set?

sunzz

Im inclined to raise them if im in position and there has been no raise before me. that way if an A,k comes down you can also bet into that flop. If you flat call and bet into an Ak flop people with A,rag are less likely to believe you have the ace as you didn't raise preflop and won't put it down as often. Well that my 2cents anyway.

Then again there are LOADS of scenarios where limping is more profitable.

But generally I do like to raise my middle pocket pairs and just hope for a nice flop

ianmc38

In cash games or tourney? Cash games ill raise with 88-AA from EP. Limp with 22-66, maybe raise 15% of the time.

MP/LP i'll raise 90% of the time with 88-AA and 50% of the time with 22-66(in an unopened pot).

LP i'll raise with them all in an unopened pot.

If i limp with 22-66 and i miss a set i'll generally fold(depending on the action before me etc)

ianmc38

Just reread the post there. Raise with them all from every position in a cash game (obviously varying size of raises and throwing in some limps as well)

Dub13

Whatever way you play any group of hands never play them the same way every time,a good player will pick up this info and use it against you.Mix your play up.

As for the original question It depends on the situation position,table image etc etc.But a general guide I will raise 80% of the time and limp 20%.

mewso

I'm training to be a donkey so I min-raise in any position

Dub13

Takes a note that Muso min raises with 7's under the gun.

fuzzbox

musician wrote:

I'm training to be a donkey so I min-raise in any position

Good training. Since *nobody* does that, its very well disguised, and its really hard to outplay you when you do that !!

Good job

Derek C.

Honestly this is probably the weakest part of my game. I never know what to do with the small pocket pairs. If the flop doesnt hit and there are 3 over cards on the board I think you're virtually committed to bluffing to the river. Unless you know your beat.

jtsuited

Derek C. wrote:

If the flop doesnt hit and there are 3 over cards on the board I think you're virtually committed to bluffing to the river.

what??????

TacT

Derek C. wrote:

Honestly this is probably the weakest part of my game. I never know what to do with the small pocket pairs. If the flop doesnt hit and there are 3 over cards on the board I think you're virtually committed to bluffing to the river. Unless you know your beat.

What about raising, betting at the flop then check/folding if you get called?

Derek C.

Hey didnt I say this was my weak point!

Jesus people, Chill-ax.

fuzzbox

TacT wrote:

What about raising, betting at the flop then check/folding if you get called?

its unorthodox, but it might just work.

Sometimes, dont even bother betting the flop if you miss. This is espcially true if the board comes JTx and there are more than one player against you.