Playing Small Pairs

Small pairs aren't the best hands preflop, but surprisingly they almost always win the biggest pots. The reason they win so much money is because when they make a huge hand, they're extremely deceptive. However, many players play small pairs incorrectly, and it costs them a lot of money in the long run. This article will examine small pocket pairs (22-66) in No Limit Hold'em and how to properly play them to win the most possible money.

Preflop Play

Small pairs are pretty simple as far as preflop play goes. Basically, you want to get in cheap against a bunch of opponents. As a general rule, you should never call a raise with a small pair unless there are at least 2 other players in the hand. Also, you should never be calling a three-bet (a re-raise after another player's raise) with only a small pair.

The reason you want to get in cheap and against a lot of people is all about your pot odds. The odds of making a set on the flop are roughly 1 in 7, so you need solid preflop odds to justify seeing the flop. Basically, if the hand has folded to you go ahead and limp in, and if there has been a raise in front of you go ahead and call if at least one other player has called. If you're in late position you can justify calling a small raise even if no one else has called, just because of your good position.

Flop Play

On the flop, there are basically two situations. You make a set or you don't. If you don't make a set, just check/fold because your hand isn't worth much. If you DO make a set, you're in an excellent position. You have an extremely strong hand, and want to extract as much money as possible out of your opponents.

When I make a set after limping in preflop I like to check/call on the flop. This way your opponent cannot put you on a single hand because you would make that play with a set, with a weak top pair, with a middle pair, with a draw, or perhaps even with just over cards. The only time I wouldn't check/call the flop would be if the flop is very dangerous and contains a lot of draws. For example, if there were three cards in a row like 789 or three suited cards I'd prefer to bet/raise to protect my set.

After you check/call the flop, it's time to start building a big pot. I like to bet out on the turn, or raise if my opponent bets into me. If my opponent sees the river with me, I'll fire out a ½ pot sized value bet as long as the river isn't too scary. By playing sets like I just described, you'll make money on the flop, turn, and river, and should be able to build the biggest pot possible.

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