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Bottom Pair (Poker)
Bottom pair (or bottom set) is the term used in a game when a player makes a pair using the lowest ranked board card with one of his hole cards. For instance, the board reads A-7-3 and you hold K-3. The lowest card on the board is the 3. As you hold a 3 in your hand, you have a pair, or bottom pair in this hand.
Bottom pair is a weak have in poker and one that you should play carefully. First of all, there are over cards on the board and whenever there are over cards to your pair, you should be weary, particularly when up against multiple opponents. Most of the time, you will need to improve to win the hand without bluffing opponents off the pot. You should try not to call cards in hope of catching cards, as you are a big underdog to do so.
The dilemma players face is that they don't know where they stand. In contrast, when you hit top pair, you will initially know by the number of over cards on the board, as to the strength of your hand. Where you have no over cards, your top pair will look good (better with a strong kicker). As the number of over cards goes up, the confidence in your hand will go down. Having 2 over cards on the flop should usually stop players in their track, particularly if you hold a small pair, as it is likely that the turn and river will also bring over cards
How to Play Bottom Pair
There are a number of different ways to play bottom pair. If you are a passive player, you should only really call a very small bet on the turn in the chance that you make two pair. Any sizeable bet and you should fold.
If you are a more aggressive hand, you will already know that it's what your opponent thinks you have. Again you will have to follow your judgment. If no players have shown any strength in hand prior to the action getting to you, you could try to steal the pot but only put a feeler out there. Going bust with bottom pair is not a nice feeling. If you are called on the turn, slow down.
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