[FCGrizzly#30]

Like pocket 2, 3, 4 before the flop. I'm constantly faced with this delema. Do you raise and try to force people out so they dont catch any card that pairs up and beats you, or do you try and play them on the cheap and hope you catch one to make a set. Seems like every time I raise I get called and then some one pairs up a 5 or something to beat me.

[VARoadstter]

Mod: please move this thread to the strategy forum

Griz,

A couple more questions need to be answered first:


1) Tournamanet or ring game?

2) What position are you in?

3) How big is your raise (limit or NL)?

4) What is your stack size relative to other players/relative to blinds?

5) What is your table image?

6) How are your opponents playing (loose/tight, aggro/passive)?


I can't even say "rule of thumb" here unless I know at least the first 3 answers.

[hachkc]

and

7. How many players at the table?

[Spaceman Spiff]

This is one of those big time "it depends" situation. I've limped, called a raise, raised myself, and folded these baby pairs depending on a number of things.

If I'm in EP, I'm inclined to either limp or just dump them depending on the aggressiveness of the table. If I'm pretty sure I can see a cheap flop, I'll do it to try and spike the set.

Any play is valid in later position and later in tournaments. It all depends on chip stack size, opponents, blinds, etc. Like the other said, we need more info to give you a better answer. And even then, it's likely we could make an argument for all three choices of call, raise, or fold.

[dad604]

Like everyone says, it depends. But basically I limp with full table, heads up, I raise.

[jojobinks]

PT tells me that with 22-55, from early position at a full table, i'm a very marginal winner, with a total of between 35-49 trials for each pair.

this is in NL and limit, from .05/.1 to $2/$4...so quite a range of limits.

the actual number is an earn of .35 BB per hand. it seems playing them at all in EP is a pretty ev neutral play...the kind you might make just 'cause.

in late position, though (button or CO), they double in value for me, to .73 BB/hand, which is not bad at all (better for instance, than 88, 99, or TT in any position)

[pager23]

Originally Posted by jojobinks

in late position, though (button or CO), they double in value for me, to .73 BB/hand, which is not bad at all (better for instance, than 88, 99, or TT in any position)

That's similar to what I'm seeing. I wonder why that is?
Maybe it's just easier to get away from the small pocket pairs than it is the middle ones...

[jojobinks]

well that, plus position. that was middle pairs in any position v baby pairs in strong position...

[Daniel]

if someone raises, you fold....

actually, i've folded pocket 2's and 3's in early-mid position many many times, just so i dont put myself in a compromising situation where i feel i'm "married" to the pot.....

in late position, with more than 3 "limpers" i'll raise, to try and force the other weak hands out....
if they call, you still have position and have to play your aggression out to the end, unless you know for certain you are beat, and then you fold....

then again, i play my pocket jacks like a small pocket pair (coz i hate the jacks so much)....if i dont hit my set on the flop and there is ANY overcard out there, i fold immediately.....


just my nickel,
but like other people said, "it depends"...

free,d

[Matthew]

To answer the subject question - usually - POORLY.