[imperial10]

I'm starting this thread because I have no idea how to play pocket jacks correctly (or pocket elevens as I like to call them) Every time I have this hand I'm worried, not that strong, forced to play, good looking hand. I get beat 6 out of 10 times with this hand. I know it's all about the situation, position, chip stack, pot size. But help me out, I'll give the situation and any body that can guide me just fill in the blanks.

Pre flop

Blinds 100/200

Big blind: (enter correct answer)
Small blind (enter correct answer)
Dealer: (enter correct answer)
Early position ( " " " )
Middle ( " " " )
Late ( " " " )

Flop ( 8d - 3d - Kh)

[Same structure]

From here on out I can now decipher what to do. It's just usually during this situation I can't figure out what to do So I would be great full to those who can help me out.

[hachkc]

Preflop
Simple answer, always be the 1st to raise with them preflop (usually 4bb+1bb/limper). Against, LAGier opponents, you can reraise with position; for all others, call. I'll usually only fold them against multiple raises PF but against tighter PF raisers, I may fold them OOP rarely.

Flop (assuming you raised PF)
This gets tricky IMO as is so dependent on your position, number of limpers and texture of the flop. OOP against multiple callers and just about any overcard on the flop, I usually pack it up. HU, I'll cbet most flops with a single over and occassionally 2 overs depending on the opponent. If I get multiple callers on my flop cbet, I can usually shutdown but again its dependent on the players and board texture.

JJ can be tough to play on the turn and river IMO especially if you are OOP. Definitely a small pot hand when unimproved.

As to your example, too many variables to give much of generic answer. How many limpers? Did you raise PF or call a raise PF? What types of players are involved? What your position relative to the players? Blah Blah Blah

[develvjd-]

I play them like a big pair pre-flop and a middle pair post-flop.

After I do that a couple times and get burned a couple times, I employ a more complex check-fold strategy.

[hachkc]

Originally Posted by develvjd-

I play them like a big pair pre-flop and a middle pair post-flop.

Very good, succinct description of them.

[k9dr]

I have been knocked out of tournaments with pocket jacks more than any other hand. So in tournaments I limp with pockets jacks from any position and fold if any overcard comes on the flop. If raised to me preflop, I will routinely fold JJ unless I am short stacked or the price is right. Seems overly cautious I know, but I have been severely decimated playing JJ in tourneys any other way.

Cash games are different. I will often raise with JJ, but sometimes limp or simply call a raise from any position. Still a dangerous but sometimes profitable hand.

[imperial10]

Thanks,

Usually my gang of players are ridiculously aggressive. The pots that are usually in play if there is action are about 2,500-3k deep with a 100/200 blind. I'm siting there with JJ's and I'm a little worried.

But good info HACHKC, I have to print that out so I can keep it with me the next time I'm in this situation.

[imperial10]

Is it safe to say that POCKET JACKS (pocket 11's) are the worst hand in poker.

7-2 (no brainer, fold)
Pocket jacks (somewhat have to play but not really)

it may not be the worst hand in poker but the most stressful, early grave, read them your last rights hand in poker. More bad than a weak ace

[hachkc]

Actually, I think AJ is just as bad if not worst.

[Sea Vulture]

JJ is a hand that you should play strong pre flop, but be ready to fold post flop with any action. The question is not "how" to play them, but when to fold them.

Here's an example from a tournament I was in at TI in September. We were at the final table, down to 7 players and I was in Middle position with JJ. I had second largest stack at table, so I put in strong raise preflop. I was reraised by SB, who was a tight player. Since the tournament paid 5 places, I was in a good chip position, and was reraised by a tight player, I folded. Calling him or reraising him would have put me a bad position, but not out of the tournament. I figured he would only reraise me with AA, KK, maybe AK suited. In any of the cases, I could have been seriously damaged. I folded JJ face up, and was amazed at how many people said they wouldn't have folded. As it turns out, the guy had AA.

JJ should be raised strongly preflop to chase out the Ace Rag crap, but not enough to put you in trouble. Be ready to fold it, however. Of course, position, stack size, opponents, etc also come into play. In my opinion, slow play or just calling it preflop is a bad mistake that gets you into more trouble. Force out weaker hands like small pairs, Ace Rag, suited connectors with a strong enough raise. This way, if someone does call, you know they may have some sort of strong hand and can play accordingly.

[dasquared]

Originally Posted by Sea Vulture

JJ is a hand that you should play strong pre flop, but be ready to fold post flop with any action. The question is not "how" to play them, but when to fold them.

Here's an example from a tournament I was in at TI in September. We were at the final table, down to 7 players and I was in Middle position with JJ. I had second largest stack at table, so I put in strong raise preflop. I was reraised by SB, who was a tight player. Since the tournament paid 5 places, I was in a good chip position, and was reraised by a tight player, I folded. Calling him or reraising him would have put me a bad position, but not out of the tournament. I figured he would only reraise me with AA, KK, maybe AK suited. In any of the cases, I could have been seriously damaged. I folded JJ face up, and was amazed at how many people said they wouldn't have folded. As it turns out, the guy had AA.

JJ should be raised strongly preflop to chase out the Ace Rag crap, but not enough to put you in trouble. Be ready to fold it, however. Of course, position, stack size, opponents, etc also come into play. In my opinion, slow play or just calling it preflop is a bad mistake that gets you into more trouble. Force out weaker hands like small pairs, Ace Rag, suited connectors with a strong enough raise. This way, if someone does call, you know they may have some sort of strong hand and can play accordingly.

My thoughts exactly - basically, force out the crap hands PF, and then play their cards, so to speak - I get into trouble though in playing them too aggressively if there are no over cards on the flop when I'm OOP, as I somtimes forget I should know that they may have a higher pocket pair