Hi Mike,

I play no limit holdem on a regular basis (usually $1-2). I feel confident in my game and usually come out ahead. One of the only hands I have problem playing is low pocket pairs. I know that when the flop comes I will usually be up against over cards and I don’t like guessing my opponent’s holdings. If you could give me some tips on how to play small pockets it would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Chris
Hi Chris,

Low pockets are one of my favorite types of hands to play in no-limit Texas holdem. Especially when the games are loose and aggressive. They can be played in several different ways, but your goal is always to flop a set. As long as I have a decent stack in relation to the blinds I will call even pretty large raises with them, especially when I put my opponent on a big hand. The goal here is to flop a set and get all my money in. If I do I usually bet out, if my opponent has a big hand he will re-raise most of the time and is pot committed when I re-raise again. If you check raise here instead there is a bigger risk that your opponent manages to get away from his hand.

I like to limp my small pockets, but occasionally raise with them. If you are up against more than one opponent and flop a set, the situation is a bit more complex. I like to bet out here too, but it depends on my position, the texture of the flop etc. If it is a non threatening flop I sometimes choose to slow play the hand. But with any scary draws out I make sure that my opponents have to pay greatly to chase them. When I miss the flop I generally check and fold to any bet. The times when I have raised pre-flop I might take one stab at the pot, but fold if I get any action.

Good luck at the table.
Regards,
Mike G

Read more about how to play specific hands at the flop here.