The Perils of Small Pairs

Texas Hold ‘Em online poker players like to get pocket pairs, but small pairs can also be trouble at the casino. Tight players will usually fold them in early position, because most likely the flop will bring higher cards that will give another player a better pair. Since there are only two cards in the deck that can improve a small pair to a set, it’s a long shot hand to win.

Even if you make a set with a small pair, your hand is still in danger when flush or straightening cards materialize on the board. And when one of your small cards does complete a flush or straight, it could also be beat by a higher flush or straight. Small pairs seldom pay off with big pots. You may complete your set with a small pair, but if the board only features rag cards, then most likely players holding high ranked cards will fold them to your bet rather than chase.

There is always the danger that another poker online player has completed a set too, but higher than yours. Small pockets are hard to play profitably. In late position, you have more leeway for calling the big blind and seeing the flop. But if a raise is made and called, then fold your small pockets. It’s unlikely to complete to a wining hand against players with strong starters.

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