Poker World

Little Pairs

I’ve written about little pairs and the problems they can present especially when played out of position. There are many beginners and intermediate players who just can’t resist playing little pairs. You only see a pocket pair, on average, every sixteen hands so what’s not to like? I’ll tell you what’s not to like and that is little pairs out of position!

The funniest reason I’ve heard regarding playing little pairs in early position is the premise that if they are folded, they always seem to make a set on the flop …

jeez, Louise! OK, little pairs in early position are usually the kiss of death, but let’s talk about an occasion when they might be a good value to play, even in early position. Let’s imagine that you have determined that the game you’re a part of is somewhat passive. You find yourself second to act and the first player has just limped in and you are holding pocket fives. If you now limp you will be encouraging the ensuing players to limp as well making it a multi way pot. With odds against

hitting a set when holding a pocket pair of 7.5-to-1, a multi way pot is essential to provide the proper pot odds.

If you’re in late position and know you’re getting good pot odds the decision is easy, but with this limping tactic you’re

attempting to create the correct or good pot odds.

Now we’ll assume you are fortunate and do hit your set on the flop. Most of the time when an unraised multi way flop produces a set it ultimately prevails. Of course you need to be wary if the board is very coordinated or suited as you now may need to improve to a full house to beat any straights or flushes that may develop. The good news is that high cards on the flop will rarely mean a higher set than yours because a high pocket pair would most likely raise before the flop.

With a set of fives some players now decide to get cute hoping to maximize their profit. In my experience this course of action is a mistake. You have already determined that this game is passive and since it is a multi way pot it is likely that one or two players may have a piece of the flop and will call your bet or even call a raise.

Play a small set fast and don’t risk allowing opponents to catch up because they might wind up passing you. Remember, it’s better to win a small pot than to lose a large one.

Alternatively, let’s assume you don’t hit a set on the flop and find yourself in early position with a lowly pair of fives and at least two over cards on the board. This situation brings to mind one of my favorite lines from the old Laurel and Hardy films, “Fine fix you’ve got us into now, Ollie.” Of course you wanted to hit a set but all is not lost … especially if you don’t lose your head and do something foolish.

Remember, there is no shame in checking and folding if that becomes the prudent action to take.

Our goal to take away from this column is to never believe a statement about poker that begins with never as I’ve read countless times regarding playing little pairs out of position. There are occasions, if you are attuned to the texture of the game and also possess the discipline not to become married to your unimproved little pair, that they can be profitable.

by Tom Leonard