Texas Holdem Strategies for Small Pocket Pairs

It is not uncommon to see players dump small pocket pairs regularly in Texas Holdem, because they are often seen as too risky to play. That being said, you can still make money from these hands. You just have to assess the situation more carefully.

If you are under the gun, you can, with a small pocket pair, make a raise. This will preojct the image that you have a strong hand because most Texas Holdem players will fold any hand in early position unless it were very strong. This will get some players to fold.

If you get called, you should check the player who issued it. If he is a loose player you should probably see the flop. Besides, a small pocket pair (55 or below) is still a pretty decent hand. If you flop the three of a kind, you will be able to obtain more cash out of the hand.

If you miss the flop, your Texas Holdem strategy is to either fold or just make a continuation bet. If your opponent is tight, the latter is the right option to choose as this will get him to fold.

Regardless of the position you are in, if you are holding a small pocket pair and you are re raised, folding would be the appropriate Texas Holdem strategy as someone has a higher pair than you.

Another way that you can play the small pair is by limping in. The way that this Texas Holdem strategy works is that by limping in, you indicate weakness, and should you hit the flop hard, you will be able to slow play the hand without anyone noticing.

Playing small pairs where you are playing in tournaments require a different approach. Here the primary consideration for playing this hand, or any hand for that matter, will be your chip size and your playing style. Generally, you will see a lot of the more aggressive players regularly make raises with 44 or even 22s. Here you will need to consider your reputation and image on the table as well.

Small pocket pairs can be one of the most profitable hands you can harness in any Texas Holdem game, cash or tournament format. Too many players just throw them away, not realizing how valuable these pairs can be.

By learning how to use the right strategies you will be able to make more money from the hands that most players just fold.