t1riel
Legend
Silver Level
I read an article today about pocket jacks and how they are not an easy hand to play. The atricle states that "many Texas Hold 'em players hate getting dealt two jacks because they feel they're unlucky with them. Well, chances are it isn't that they're unlucky with these cards. They're simply overvaluing the hand and misplaying it."
On preflop, there are three overcards that could flop, making the hand more difficult to play. Even if there isn't an overcard on the flop, you could be facing 4-5-7, 3-4-5, 6-7-8. and if opponent is playing a little pairor is lucky enough to flop a straight, you're doomed. The article makes a great point and it sums it up very well.
"The J-J is the one hand that seems too strong to fold yet not strong enough to hold if there is much action ahead of you. If you're playing a structured Limit Hold 'em game, the impact isn't as severe, but in No Limit Hold 'em, where your entire bankroll is in jeopardy, pocket jacks must be played carefully."
So when should you fold them? Well, if you're an early position and you make a raise, one player re-raises and then a tight competitor re-raises all-in right behind. Those jacks don't look so good now, do they?
The article goes on to say that "The key here, as with most poker problems, is sizing up your opponent. If he holds aces, kings, or queens, would he have raised big before the flop? Is he the type of player who calls with small pairs before the flop? When he flops three of a kind, does he usually bet it aggressively or play it slow to suck more people in?
In the end, you'll have to make a judgment call. Playing pocket jacks makes for some of the toughest decisions you'll face in poker. But, hey, no one ever said this game would be easy."
On preflop, there are three overcards that could flop, making the hand more difficult to play. Even if there isn't an overcard on the flop, you could be facing 4-5-7, 3-4-5, 6-7-8. and if opponent is playing a little pairor is lucky enough to flop a straight, you're doomed. The article makes a great point and it sums it up very well.
"The J-J is the one hand that seems too strong to fold yet not strong enough to hold if there is much action ahead of you. If you're playing a structured Limit Hold 'em game, the impact isn't as severe, but in No Limit Hold 'em, where your entire bankroll is in jeopardy, pocket jacks must be played carefully."
So when should you fold them? Well, if you're an early position and you make a raise, one player re-raises and then a tight competitor re-raises all-in right behind. Those jacks don't look so good now, do they?
The article goes on to say that "The key here, as with most poker problems, is sizing up your opponent. If he holds aces, kings, or queens, would he have raised big before the flop? Is he the type of player who calls with small pairs before the flop? When he flops three of a kind, does he usually bet it aggressively or play it slow to suck more people in?
In the end, you'll have to make a judgment call. Playing pocket jacks makes for some of the toughest decisions you'll face in poker. But, hey, no one ever said this game would be easy."
