Low Pairs
Learning the poker theory behind low pairs is important in Texas Hold Em. This is because players see low pairs a lot during the course of a game. New players who do not yet understand the poker theory behind low pairs often lose their money.
There are no hard and fast rules that say what constitutes a low pair. Generally, anything below a 6 should be thought of as a low pair. As you gain experience poker theory and learn your own style of play you will be able to set your own standards as to what is a low pair and what is not.
One of the most useful poker theory tips for new players holding low pairs is that 90 percent of the time you want to see a cheap flop. A cheap flop is one that does not cost you a lot of money to see. In other words, if you are holding a pair of 4’s you want to see the flop but you do NOT want to put in a lot of money (by calling big bets or raising) in order to see that flop.
You should try to remember that a low pair has potential for becoming a big hand if you pick up a set (three-of-a-kind) or a quad (four-of-a-kind) or a full-house. The poker theory key to remember is the word potential. Until you see the flop all you have is a low pair, and in a ten-handed game and even in a seven-handed game, that generally is a losing hand.
In poker theory, if you have a low pair and are the first to act, you must be careful. This is true with low pairs if you are seated anywhere on the first half of the table. The reason for this is simple. If you are the first to play (or even the second, third, or fourth) all the others players behind you will have the option to raise the bet, forcing you to put even more money in before seeing the flop. If you are playing with aggressive betters, the cost can skyrocket in no time at all.
The key to playing small pairs is to see the flop for as little money as possible. A good player who knows poker theory will fold a small pair if the betting becomes too aggressive.
If you are one of the last players to act, meaning you are on the far side of the betting, and no one else has raised, you may want to call and see the flop. You may pick up three of a kind or something better. It does happen.
However, good poker theory suggests that if players before you have raised and others have called that raise it is best for you to fold that low pair. You should never be afraid to lay down a weak hand. The fact is good poker theory suggests that winners will fold far more hands than they will play. Patience and risk management are key elements to winning at this game.
There are no hard and fast rules that say what constitutes a low pair. Generally, anything below a 6 should be thought of as a low pair. As you gain experience poker theory and learn your own style of play you will be able to set your own standards as to what is a low pair and what is not.
One of the most useful poker theory tips for new players holding low pairs is that 90 percent of the time you want to see a cheap flop. A cheap flop is one that does not cost you a lot of money to see. In other words, if you are holding a pair of 4’s you want to see the flop but you do NOT want to put in a lot of money (by calling big bets or raising) in order to see that flop.
You should try to remember that a low pair has potential for becoming a big hand if you pick up a set (three-of-a-kind) or a quad (four-of-a-kind) or a full-house. The poker theory key to remember is the word potential. Until you see the flop all you have is a low pair, and in a ten-handed game and even in a seven-handed game, that generally is a losing hand.
In poker theory, if you have a low pair and are the first to act, you must be careful. This is true with low pairs if you are seated anywhere on the first half of the table. The reason for this is simple. If you are the first to play (or even the second, third, or fourth) all the others players behind you will have the option to raise the bet, forcing you to put even more money in before seeing the flop. If you are playing with aggressive betters, the cost can skyrocket in no time at all.
The key to playing small pairs is to see the flop for as little money as possible. A good player who knows poker theory will fold a small pair if the betting becomes too aggressive.
If you are one of the last players to act, meaning you are on the far side of the betting, and no one else has raised, you may want to call and see the flop. You may pick up three of a kind or something better. It does happen.
However, good poker theory suggests that if players before you have raised and others have called that raise it is best for you to fold that low pair. You should never be afraid to lay down a weak hand. The fact is good poker theory suggests that winners will fold far more hands than they will play. Patience and risk management are key elements to winning at this game.
posted by JustDoItNow at
2:14 PM
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