Posted by Johnnymac 10:50 PM
As far as pocket pairs, I have a few general thoughts. First and foremost, they are much more valuable in a big-bet game than in a limit game, for the usual reasons. Second, I think that many unexperienced limit players put too much value on pairs in the pocket and marry themselves to their pairs no matter what cards may come on the flop.

My personal philosophy on pocket pairs in a limit game is to usually call at least one raise with any pair in hopes of flopping a set . Generally, with any pair of 77 or lower, if I don't flop a set or am not playing against a very large field (8 players or more) I will the fold against any action on the flop and fold against any raise no matter how many players are in the field. Why? Because any 77 or lower will certainly be facing overcards, and if it's not facing any overcards then it's likely against a straight draw instead (think about it).

88 is a bit stronger, but not much; similarly, 99 is stronger but not great.

TT and above is very much dependent on the strength of the board, how many other players are left, what other hands are likely to be left in the pot.

Generally, pairs in the pocket, even AA or KK, almost always have to improve, and it's doubly important for TT thru QQ to improve because any overcards at all will put even the most clueless K-x or A-x ahead of you.

So, to summarize - always hope to flop a set when you're dealt a pocket pair, and if it's worse than TT, it's usually smarter to fold if you don't flop that set. Don't be married and play smart.

One more thing - David Sklansky has a great chapter on pocket pairs in his book, Holdem for Advanced Players. Highly recommended if you would like to get further into the details.

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