How to Play Pocket Pairs

Pocket pairs split into three groups that play very differently: big pairs, medium pairs, and small pairs. Treating them all the same is a common and costly error.

Big pairs (AA–QQ, often JJ)

These are premium hands. Raise and re-raise them for value before the flop; you want money in while you're ahead. The main skill is not getting too attached when the board and action scream that you're beaten — an overpair is strong, but it is one pair.

Medium pairs (around TT–88)

Strong but awkward. They're often ahead preflop yet vulnerable to overcards on the flop. You can open them, call raises, and sometimes 3-bet. Postflop, they're frequently a one-pair hand that has to decide between value and pot control depending on the board.

Small pairs (77 and below)

These are set-mining hands. Their main way to win a big pot is flopping a set (three of a kind), which happens roughly one time in eight or nine. Play them cheaply when you can, and value them by your implied odds — how much you stand to win when you do flop a set. They're great in position and in deep-stacked spots; weaker when stacks are shallow or the price to see a flop is high.

Common mistakes

• Overplaying medium pairs as if they were premiums.
• Set-mining small pairs for too high a price relative to the money behind.
• Stacking off with one overpair against obvious strength.