Playing 7-2 off suit

I normally use the chart on wizard of odds [Link removed]to determine what starting hands to play. I also use position play from the posts on here. As a test though, I started playing almost every hand with play money on two tables at pokerstars to see the win ratio. It seems like the most common hand to win is two pair. I actually won several hands with very unconventional starting hands. Whats your opinion on playing non-standard hands for REAL money at microstakes?

At microstakes you can try this, but you'll never be profitable at the long term. You can try these hands on the button when no-one is in the pot or limp with a few limpers. But I should not do this too much...

Don`t, but if u r going to play that way u r welcome to join me in a game anytime

Lol. Fair enough. I was doing it mostly to see what the win ratio was and it was slightly over 50% on showdowns. Not too great.

IMHO newish players who are using guides like charts should just stay away from hands like 72 (and dozens of other similar trash hands) completely! That is what the chart would say right? There is just no reason to play these hands when you are new to the game. What is going to happen is you are going to see a 779 type flop and get CREAMED by the other guy with a 7.

You will get to limp in now and then with terrible cards on the button anyway. Why go to more trouble than this to play them?

Now I will contradict myself slightly.

Every blue moon or so I love to play hands that aren't on a "starting hand chart". Sometimes I will even raise with one pre flop. I especially like it when I can show at showdown the crap I raised with. I like it even more if I happen to win with the hand which is usually the only time I'm gonna get to show it..

That said here are my personal caveats/rules:

1. This is a rare play. Do not do it too much.

2. It should be timed for effect... if it works, and I win... I want the most ire from the right players at the table.

3. Post flop game needs to be strong. You need to be able to read the flop texture and betting patternts or your opponents. Most people still on starting hand charts are going to get eaten up post flop as this is a more complex part of the game.

4. Hang on LOOSELY. Be ready to fold these things instantly even in situations where you think you have a speculative hand.

In the end just dont play them... but if you do... make sure you don't lose too much - fold when you need to - and you leave the other players at the table calling you names for playing such crap when you have the oppourtunity to flip them over.

cAPS

OK - from someone that has played 60k hands this year ...

The *only* time I am playing 72o is if I am the button in a cash game and the SB and the BB are very tight nit players that fold to any raise. Then I am raising it purely for stealing purposes. If one of them raises, I chuck it.

The end.

Fair enough =) Case closed. Thanks for all the advice.

Oh yes. This is a super-good point!

Don't show it there though.

I have to say tho that I agree, Yes I haven't playing to long, and Im still quite a newbee. But I have noticed that the games ive played, when I do use the unconventional hands I seem to hit it alot more then when I play big hands. But again I havent played to much and havent gotten serious enough about it to keep track.

Make no mistake. 72 and other garbage hands will lose more than they win.

Not playing them will save you money.

If anyone can argue that (other than of being in the big blind with no raises preflop), please leave your user name/poker site/stakes info