Playing small pairs in early position

Playing small pairs in early position has always been a debatable subject. But in my opinion there is one option that is better than the rest, especially in No Limit Texas Holdem tournaments.

Hopefully, flopping three of a kind is the main reason for playing small pocket pairs. This is where the value of playing small pocket pairs come into effect. This is because a hand like this is low risk and high reward.

For example, If you do flop three of a kind, the likely hood is that you will take down a big pot, especially if one of your opponent hits a hand like top pair. Plus if you miss the flop it’s very easy to fold the hand.

So, what’s your options when you get a small pocket pair in early position?

You can move allin. The problem with moving allin is that your small pair turn from low risk/ high reward into high risk/ low reward. This is because if an opponent calls, he is either going to have two over cards, or worse, a higher pocket pair. However, if you move allin with small pocket pairs you’ll probably win a lot of blinds, due to the fact your bet will probably be very large in comparison to the blinds. This would probably make opponents who where considering playing average hands fold. But moving allin is usually a bad idea unless you are short stacked and are looking to pick up some blinds.

An other option is folding. This is the best way to minimize risk. Especially if your at an aggressive table where there’s alot of raising and re-raising pre-flop. This is sometimes the best option as mall pocket pair aren’t always a playable hand. The only problem is all thought there is no risk if you fold, their is also no reward.

Limping in is another option. And usually the most popular option by poker players. But limping in early position is usually a sign of weakness and a more aggressive player will be waiting for this opportunity to attack in a better position. As well as this, most skilled players will be able to put you on a small pocket pair as this is such a common move from early position with this hand.Meaning it will be much easier for you opponent to read you and will take away possibilities of winning a big pot if you do flop three of a kind. However, limping in can also increase the chances of multiple opponents in the pot. And the more people in the pot, the higher the value of a hand like a small pocket pair becomes.

Lastly, a small raise, which in my opinion is the best option. This is because you have the chance to pick up the blinds. This is because a raise in early position is usually a sign of strength. This can stop players with stronger hands from raising because they believe you are strong and don’t want to attack a small raise. For example, if your opponent has pocket eights, he will probably just call instead of re-raising. where as, if you had limped he would have most likely raise more than your small raise in order to take control of the pot.

But as with any poker hand, sometimes its best to mix it up, so opponent players struggle to have a proper read on you. So your probably best using all the available options you have at your disposal. But making a small raise should be your default play when dealt small pocket pair in early position.