Low Pocket Pairs=Cheap Flops
Playing with middle to low pocket poker pairs can be a risky proposition-if that pair turns into a set or even quads on the flop, it can be extremely profitable, but if a poker player falls in love with his hand and it misses the flop completely, that pocket pair can turn out to be pretty costly. The first key to minimizing your risk with a poker pocket pair is to get a bargain on the flop. With middle to low pocket pairs, you’ve got to look for the cheapest flops that you can. If you’ve a hand like pocket 5’s, you aren’t likely to make your set on the flop, so don’t pay more than twice the big blind to see it. At a passive table where your opponents are more likely to limp in or check, you should be able to see most of the flops by just limping in with the big blind. At a more aggressive table however, you are likely to see a raise or two before the flop, and this is where your position is key. If you’re in a later position, you’ll have a chance to see what your opponents are doing before you decide to play. If you’re in an early position and you’ve got an aggressive opponent who’s likely to raise the blind after you act, you might consider freezing him with a raise. Even a small raise like doubling the big blind can be enough to prevent anyone else from raising the bet any further.
