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playing mid-low pairs
charlton99
Member Posts: 3
Hi all,
very new to poker (hope I'm in the right place to ask)
I know there are lot so variables but what the **** do you do when you hit 4-4 to 9-9 pre-flop ? If you raise too low you get called and then AQT flop and you're buggered and don't know where you are, you raise too high and big/small blind has at least 1 over card if not more and get called 70-30...
I've folded pocket 8's and 7's so many times purely on the basis of not knowing where I am but then played deuces or threes to all in because I trust my read on my opponents... what is it about those mid pairs? or is it just a psychological thing with me alone?
very new to poker (hope I'm in the right place to ask)
I know there are lot so variables but what the **** do you do when you hit 4-4 to 9-9 pre-flop ? If you raise too low you get called and then AQT flop and you're buggered and don't know where you are, you raise too high and big/small blind has at least 1 over card if not more and get called 70-30...
I've folded pocket 8's and 7's so many times purely on the basis of not knowing where I am but then played deuces or threes to all in because I trust my read on my opponents... what is it about those mid pairs? or is it just a psychological thing with me alone?
Comments
As a general rule (based on the small info given) I would be opening the same with all our holdings.
I think generally speaking you should play your pairs with weaker pairs from stronger position so you have some insurance with table-reads on your opponents. That's my dig.
I am a bit old school where I do not like getting my stack in with anything below 99-AAs including AQs/AKs when on 10 to 15BBs from early to mid position but will allow that to widen quite significantly when below 10BBs.
Small/Medium PPs are tricky to play pre flop with 25+ BBs in MTTs and if you are uncomfortable playing them at this stage I would suggest reverting to a TAG style of play and concentrate on your post flop play and range analysis of your opponents.
Once you have become more confident, start opening your range a little whilst in position. If you are getting frustrated with certain hands review how you have played them by taking into consideration the following:
1: You opponents range.
2: Your position.
3: You table image.
4: The pre flop action (are you calling 4 bets with hands such as 55 pre and folding to any flop containing an Ace when you miss you set?).
5: Are you bet sizing correctly both pre and post flop when looking to commit or give yourself the mathematical ability to fold the hand?
6: Are you being drawn into big pots pre out of not wanting to lay down a PP pre?
I hope some or all of the above helps.
Welcome to the Forum, what kept you?
Good solid maiden post, thank you. Post more. We have a few nice areas of the Forum you may enjoy - Poker Clinic, Lifestyle stuff, Sport, Punting, there's even a thread for Fat Blokes. Stick around.
I notice you have been playing here a lot more recently, what made you return?
Have a great weekend.
and is this tournament or cash without this you wont get a good answer
A month on of playing I have to admit how naïve I was! I was labouring under the assumption there is a right way to play without taking into account what you kind folks have pointed out - stack size, table image etc. I've kinda learned as I've played - learned a lot from the hands I've lost and got lucky a few times along the way.
I very much appreciate the advice guys. In the long run I think the best way to learn is by making the mistakes and learning from them - it's felt very intuitive to me rather than a system - thanks though guys I appreciate it