i hate playing pocket pairs in tournaments because often the implied odds are not there and sets are very easy to flop. tell me what you guys think of pocket pairs in tournies.
Pocket pairs are strong because you don't need to hit anything. Obviously, you generally want to take the pot down on the flop unless you hit a set so that nobody can outdraw you.
Also, be ready to let go of your pair if there are overcards and you face resistance. But don't check the flop just because there's an overcard, that'd be pretty weak. 22 and 33 can take down pots without making a set.
Every pocket pair is among Phil Hellmuth's top 15 hands, and rightfully so.
To all you that are saying limp pockets in late, and saying its hard to make a decision if every card is over, then that is irrelevant - what matters is whether you believe the others have hit.
How I play pockets:
- AA-JJ significant raise pre-flop - maybe $1 at a 2/5c table, then a continuation bet of pot sized or RR (unless you hit a set then you slow play and push out some value bets if you think it would work).
- Low pocket pairs raise say 4/5BB say 20/25c pre-flop to limits callers to between 0-3 then continuation bet of pot size unless the board is awkward (e.g. AQ9) in which case I may just give up on this hand unless in position and everybody checks make 1 attempt at the pot - because they are likely to put you on high cards and have hit. If a weak bet is made e.g. 3BB on the flop, try a RR and if they make it clearer they have hit then fold.
Don't limp (unless out of position maybe) with pockets just because you're scared of overcards - there is more chance of them missing than hitting - and with a PR you have less people who may hit!
If in position, and somebody puts out a small bet appearing weak, then I may call just to see what they do on the turn - as if they check then they are either slow playing a good hand or it was a failed attempt to take down the pot - in which case you can make a bet (non-weak) to take down the pot.
Not sure if the better players would agree with my strategy here though.