Playing Low Pocket Pairs: When to hold’em and when to fold’em

When playing Limit Hold’em, players will be looking for one of two things pre-flop before making a decision. The best outcome is for everyone to fold so that you can play your pocket pair easily. If that doesn’t happen than the next best thing is for almost everyone to be in the pot. Assuming your playing lower limit Hold'em where more people see the flop, the play is usually pretty loose and in your favor.

 

If a raise has not been called before the flop, than playing your pocket pairs is a good decision in any position, as long as it is only one bet at this point. If four people are still in it is ok to call a raise pre-flop. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t put a lot of money into the pot with a low pocket pair. If players have been raised and re-raised before it comes to your turn, folding is the best option because betting after the re-raise with a pair of sevens is a poor investment. 

 

A low pocket pair is particularly effective while heads up in a game, especially if you’re in a late position where only one other player is still in. If this happens, raise. If they check bet you have a good chance of raking the pot. 

 

When playing low pocket pairs such as 77 in No-Limit Hold’em it is important to realize the difference from limit games. Position is very important. From an early position, limp in the pot and hope to get a second set on the flop. 

 

Stay in the game from the middle position if only callers or folders have played. If a player has already raised a bet, it is a good idea to consider folding, especially if it is a large raise. If you feel that you can outplay a particularly loose player, than it is a good idea to call a raise. If you have the advantage of a late position, than raise if there are only limpers into the pot. This will force weak players to fold and show a sign of strength.

 

After the flop check if you hit your set from any position unless you hit three cards, a straight or a flush. Slow playing will help increase the pot size. Bet around 50% of the pot if playing from an early position if you miss the flop. This will cause players who have missed on the flop and have nothing in their hand to fold.  If you are on the button, than double the pot size with your bet if the players have all checked to you. This will most likely weed out the rest of the competition and the pot will be yours. 

 

If your hand has not improved on the flop, then fold to any large bet or re-raise. Patience is important here because some players may take the risk of staying in the pot when the odds are stacked against them at this point. A good player must realize their odds and fold if an opponent has placed such a strong bet.