Playing Small Pocket Pairs Pre-Flop

[Nikita]

Personally, I only play small pokets in late position and I raise 3XBB when I have them in that position. This usually clears the field of less than average hands and I get to act last. If after the flop everyone checks before me, I play aggressive and bet around half the pot. Then I watch how everyone reacts. Sometimes everyone folds, sometimes they don't, but I find if everyone keeps checking to me on the turn and river, I'm the only one whose got a made pair. My goal here is to not go to showdown because they can easily be beat.

If I'm SB or BB, then I call to see the flop cheap (I'm might call a small raise, depending on the odds). I don't like playing those pockets in first position because it's hard to get a read on if they are holding up or not.

[Robbie Robb]

Needless to say, there is much poker strategy discussion in our house. I generally agree with Nikita, but I will limp in if UTG or early position. Unless it's on UB, then I *KNOW* that my 33 is going to be met with an 88 AND KK or something silly like that. (No, I don't think the site is rigged and don't want to start a huge debate about that. gods knows we've ALL read enough debate about that. It just seems that an inordinate amount hands have multiple pocket pairs)

So, that said - early/mid I'll limp in. late position I may raise 3xBB. However, if there has been a LOT of action pre-flop (calls and especially raises), I'll toss 'em.

[johnp158]

Talking about a NL cash game? Limp with any PP in any position. As your position improves you can open-raise with some of the more marginal ones. Call a standard raise with any PP as long as both you and your opponent have a decent stack. If you've done this and you don't flop a set, check/fold.

[Hawt]

yeah, NL cash game/tournament.