How to Play Small Pairs Post Flop (Poker)

These are 77, 66, 55, 44, 33, 22 and are not played well by Low Limit Players who just don't know how to play them. You will more often than not find that players will play small pairs in any and all situations as the temptation of hitting a set will be just too much and get involved in big pots trying to catch one of their remaining 2 cards to hit a set. My advice is to read this guide and only get involved in the right pots. Remember you are in it to make a profit and if you are unable to fold a pair under the correct circumstances then you will lose money.

So before you read any further, lets treat small pairs with the respect they deserve. Play them right and they can make you money, play them badly and you could lose the lot. Now that the flop has been dealt you will have a very good idea where you stand in the pot. Lets assume you hold 5-5 pre flop and everyone checks. What should you do. Well get in cheap and see if you hit your 5. If you don't, don't commit any more money to the pot unless you have a straight draw or the outs to warrant the play. If you hit a 5 on the flop you will likely take down a good sized pot. Miss and you should dump the hand on the first big bet.

The big problem with small pairs is that you can discount the possibility of not having any over cards on the flop as this is highly unlikely. It therefore goes without saying that when you see any over cards on the flop, you will have no confidence in your pair. You will have to improve by hitting a set or a big draw if you are to stand a chance.

Why do Low Limit players love to play small pairs so much? You know the feeling when you flop a set and take down a big pot. We have all done it and there is no better feeling to break someone out a game when they have AK and flop an A and you flop a Set of 2's.

Due to the sensational feeling that this gives players they chase this dream time after time. What they don't remember is all the times they don't hit and call turn and river they are losing money. When your set hits, be aggressive or allow your opponents to be aggressive. If you do not hit, get out of the habit of always seeing the turn regardless. This will save you money, especially in Low Limit Hold'em.

Small pairs are only good if you hit on the flop.