How to play JJ preflop

How do you play JJ preflop in early position, middle position, and late position. I am not sure what to do, limp to try to catch a set or overpair, or raise preflop. The problem with limping is that the odds that a Q,K,or A comes on the flop are pretty good I think. I feel like jacks are not that powerful to demand a BIG raise, so how do you play them?

JJ is the fourth best hand in holdem. Generally, you should raise preflop; if you're not raising, you're not getting the full value out of them. Don't be scared of overcards and start playing them passively.

Well, i'd prefer not to raise TO BIG with a JJ since, as you're saying, the chances of a QKA is just to big. That doesnt mean you cant raise at all since its and the 4th best pair. And a pocketpair above 10 is almost always raisable
I mostly just call / raise 2-3x BB since that way, people with craphands wont call you with it and you just hope there will be lower cards/no flush chances or whatsoever.
That way you wont lose TO much when there's to much risk for you at the flop but you can raise the pot to a nice max if you'd slowplayed it

There are so many variables to JJ that I don't know where to begin.

First, there are those who don't want to see a flop because you have a 50/50 chance to see at least one overcard (scare card) on the flop. I don't like to put all my money in preflop except with AA if I can help it.

I will almost always raise with it no matter what the position. I will do the standard 3-4xBB raise. It is then easier to let it go if I get reraised by someone. Pocket pairs are better isolated to 1 or 2 opponents and the only way to do that is by raising. You limp and get 2 or 3 along before the blinds you will have no idea where you stand after the flop and now have to worry about any draws that come out along with overcards.

To become unpredictable you can try these in the right circumstances. I may limp in early position with a very aggressive table knowing someone else will raise and then bomb all-in to the raiser. Riase large on the button 4-6xBB to look like a steal if people are defending the blinds alot. Smooth call on the button to try to sweeten the pot before you take control after the flop.

I think the most important thing is that there is never really a right way to do it. You have to look at what is going on at the table and how can you get the best value for the hand. Some tables it is just getting the blinds and other times it is allowing some else to hang themselves and you take all their chips.

I do believe T4E has hit this pretty well right on the head with his response above. He is right that there really are so many scenarios to address that I don't think it would be possible to do it in a single thread. But his response is a very solid place for you to start and build from there.

1. If you only raise 2 x BB, people with crap hands WILL call you because you are giving them the odds to do it. This isn't limit hold'em, make a raise that serves a purpose.

2. Stop minraising

Jacks are a finesse hand requiring not only their strength but your read on the table. Early position dont try to raise no more 3xbb so not to get attached to them pre flop and flop. Middle and late there strength makes them a strong raising hand to try to lasso the pot if everyone in front of you limps in and you feel confident that everyone behind you will fold if you have a respectable image. Jack are a creative hand in the blinds if you can get in the flop cheaply and flop a set. The blinds offset the strength of your hand because you had to add no more money to the pot to show strength. Those are my thoughts on pocket Jacks or Hooks if your an angler.

depends on position & action before you

just fold em..they are always trouble on internet poker as some joker always calls with his a4 or k2..not to mention low pockets pairs that turn into monster hands....limp in or small raise if you have to

I for one cannot remember to many wins with those gay pocket princes..

And i'm half being serious here....on internet poker that is..different in live games.

*waits for wrist slap from the cardschat resident pros.*