PokerRef
03-07-2008, 09:24 PM
I have played my fair share if single table SnGs, mainly in the low buy-in level of $3 to $10, regular blind structure and turbos. When playing mid pocket pairs UTG I want to see a flop as cheaply as possibe, and there is two ways I generally try to accomplish that.
My preferred way of course, is to limp in, and hope no one raises. I have found that early in the tourney, more than likely that is not the case. With the blinds low someone will be raising. Then it depends on the size of the raise on weather or not to call. The raise, will usually reduce the number of players in the hand which is what you want. A table full of limpers seeing a flop is not good for you. I will call any raise up to 5 times the big blind, and hope I hit my set. If I don't hit, then the cards that come out, and the betting, will determine if I stay in the hand after the flop, but try and keep the pot low. You have to remember that you do have something and sometimes you also get straight and flush draw possibilities too. Your opponent(s) may just be on draws. If there are 3 overcards to your pair and someone is betting it best to fold though.
The second way to try and see the flop is by initiating the raise. Being first to act after the blinds, I will lead out a bet of 3 to 5 times the BB. This is actually pretty good strategy because many players will just fold to a raise from UTG, and only call with another small or mid pp, AQ and AJ. Any AK or high pp will most likely re-raised. I suggest you fold if this happens and getting away with minimal chip loss. If you don't get re-raised, then you get to see the flop at a fairly reasonable price, and if you hit the flop, you in real good shape. Even if you don't hit the flop and only small cards come out, you might win the pot by making a continuation bet. You are out of position and if someone raises the continuation bet I would fold. If just called then try an check down the turn and river unless you hit your set or better.
Mid pocketpairs are one of the most difficult hands to play in holdem. Don't be afraid to throw them away when necessary. They are tricky and you must be carefull. Try to get maximum value out of them when they hit your set and if you do, don't over play them. The set is susceptible to the flush and straight and can cost you.
My preferred way of course, is to limp in, and hope no one raises. I have found that early in the tourney, more than likely that is not the case. With the blinds low someone will be raising. Then it depends on the size of the raise on weather or not to call. The raise, will usually reduce the number of players in the hand which is what you want. A table full of limpers seeing a flop is not good for you. I will call any raise up to 5 times the big blind, and hope I hit my set. If I don't hit, then the cards that come out, and the betting, will determine if I stay in the hand after the flop, but try and keep the pot low. You have to remember that you do have something and sometimes you also get straight and flush draw possibilities too. Your opponent(s) may just be on draws. If there are 3 overcards to your pair and someone is betting it best to fold though.
The second way to try and see the flop is by initiating the raise. Being first to act after the blinds, I will lead out a bet of 3 to 5 times the BB. This is actually pretty good strategy because many players will just fold to a raise from UTG, and only call with another small or mid pp, AQ and AJ. Any AK or high pp will most likely re-raised. I suggest you fold if this happens and getting away with minimal chip loss. If you don't get re-raised, then you get to see the flop at a fairly reasonable price, and if you hit the flop, you in real good shape. Even if you don't hit the flop and only small cards come out, you might win the pot by making a continuation bet. You are out of position and if someone raises the continuation bet I would fold. If just called then try an check down the turn and river unless you hit your set or better.
Mid pocketpairs are one of the most difficult hands to play in holdem. Don't be afraid to throw them away when necessary. They are tricky and you must be carefull. Try to get maximum value out of them when they hit your set and if you do, don't over play them. The set is susceptible to the flush and straight and can cost you.