How to play small pockets early and late position

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markpro

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Id like to know how exactly some of you pros out there play your small pockets. I know that u usually want them to trip up cause thats the surrest way ull make ur money, and im usually not the type that goes for coin flips since i prefer skill to be a longer constant... Anyway if you could please give me some tips id apriciate it, using pocket 4s as an example, under the gun and on the button preferably.
Thanx!
 
Steveg1976

Steveg1976

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I am going to make to very big assumptions so if my assumptions are in correct disregard.

No Limit Hold'em and a Full Ring Cash Game. Also I play the micro (Monkey) stakes so take it FWIW.

I tend to raise in the situation you are describing even if there is a limper or two ahead but I raise small. say 3xbb, this doesn't really discourage people from playing as pocket pairs are a good multiway implied odds hand. Also it allows me to take down pots when i have missed when I cbet-Ace high flops as people give more respect than I deserve. And even better when I do make my set and c-bet I will get floated from aggressive players as either they can't let go of TP hands or don't believe I have it. Play changes depending on villians but imo raising is better than limping.
 
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frisellan

frisellan

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I am no pro, but under the gun I'm either folding them or hoping to see a cheap flop. On the the button 70% calling the BB to see the flop 30% raising to three times the BB with the intention of a continuation bet.
 
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CryingAmy

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in mtts I tend to call with any pair and hope to hit a set- if I do I check raise if in early position or raise/ reraise if in late position

Cash games more difficult, but think the same principle applies- you want to encourage multi-way pots so that when you do hit a set you can increase the likelihood of getting paid off.

I will fold any pair under 6s if reraised 5*bb or more preflop (depending on chips/ player raising etc)

Note I am a long way from being a pro, so hope someone with more experience can expand on this or correct me!
 
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n2kfactor

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Fold UTG and Open in LP/MP sometimes..if 77 or below
 
DonkeySmash

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Depends on the situation I suppose I will Dump them From Early and Middle pos late in a Tourney but Reraise OTB with them. Early in the tourney I will try to limp and call any standard raise from any position. Its still cheap and if you hit you get paid off.

Donkey Smash:joyman:
 
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