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When to Play Small Pocket Pairs in Poker
If you get high pairs in Texas Holdem, you pretty much know what to do with it, but what happens when you are dealt a small pocket pair? For a lot of players this can put them in a quandary. However, there are ways you can still utilize this hand.
Although there are no general or standardized guidelines, there are several options that you can try. First you have to understand that in Poker, the term small pocket pair is relative. Pairs 5 and below are definitely small, but the middle cards (6-8) can also be considered small, depending on the Poker game.
If you get 66 or 77, the tendency is to throw them away, but in fact they are quite playable. You could end up with a set or even better, a full house if the flop turns out right. Of course, you should not bet the whole stack on this hand, as more often than not, a two pair will come out instead. If you are going to go for it, make sure the pot is not too big.
An important part of playing Poker pocket pairs is your position. If you are first, then small pocket pairs are unplayable. You have no idea what the others hold, and the only option is to fold. If you act late, then you are in a much better spot to assess the other players. Based on their actions, you will know if your hand is playable.
If they all checked, and you have a 77 or 88, then you can go for a raise. In a tight game, a set, which is what you are after, may be enough to win. This is especially valuable in No Limit, as a set is easy to hide. Very few see it, and you can take down a big pot with it.
Small pocket pairs are not the ideal hands to have in Poker, but if you do get them, know there are ways they can be played. Usually you need at least 77 small pocket pair to have a chance, but if the table is very passive or filled with tourists, then even a 66 with a 6 on the flop can win you the game.
The difference between great and mediocre players is that the latter gives up when the AK is not there. By knowing the ins and outs of small pocket pairs, you can turn a seemingly lost hand into a pot winner.