How to Play High Pocket Pairs

In this article from online poker bonus codes, we will discuss how to play high pocket pairs, which include the 3 best starting hands in texas hold’em (QQ, KK, and AA). The first thing you need to realise with these starting hands is they they are very powerful hands preflop, but can lose their value post flop especially im multi-way pots facing a lot of action.

Therefore it’s recommended that you play high pocket pairs aggressively but also have the will power to be able to muck them when it looks like they are losing. These hands can either make you a lot of money or lose you a lot of money so be careful with them and don’t get attached to high pocket pairs when you think you are beat.

The strategy we will discuss in this article will mostly look at how to play high pocket pairs pre flop, in early position, middle position, late position, and the blinds.

Early Position

In early position I like to raise with these hands. I will generally raise 3 to 4 big blinds. It makes no sense to raise any smaller because you encourage weaker hands to come along, possibly get lucky and suckout on you.

Some players like to limp raise in early position with high pocket pairs, but I do no like this play because you give other players a chance to see a flop cheaply. The only time it can make sense to limp-raise is when you have a really aggressive player who has position on you, and you are confident they will raise you, so you can limp in the pot with the plan to re-raise them.

Also, with high pocket pairs the aim is to not play in a pot with many players. The equity of your hand is reduced with more players who get involved in the pot, so ideally you don’t want to more then 1-2 other players in the pot.

If I get re-raised pre-flop then I have to consider the strength of their hand. If I think they are 3betting light then I will likely flat call the re-raise and allow them to bluff at the pot. If I think they have a good hand I will likely 4bet with the plan to go all-in.

Middle Position

How to play high pocket pairs in middle position will depend on if players have already entered the pot in front of me. If no one has entered the pot I will open for a standard raise. If someone has already limped in the pot I will raise to 3 to 4 big blinds + 1 big blind to account for the player who limped in. If someone has raised I will 3bet to isolate the raise with a premium hand to try and get them heads up on the flop. If I get re-raised then I will have no problem with getting my stack in the middle. The only time I would consider folding pre-flop was if I had QQ and a very tight players has 4bet. If their 4bet range is only QQ+/AK then you are not doing very good against this tight range with QQ and I may consider folding them, but against most players this would not be the case.

Late Position

Getting dealt high pocket pairs in late position is the perfect situation. If no one has entered the pot then I will enter for a standard raise. If a player has raised in front of me I will re-reraise them.

Blinds

If everyone has limped in the pot I will make a raise to about the size of the pot. If someone has raised in front of me when I’m in the blinds I will 3bet them to get more money in the pot pre-flop.

Generally speaking, you should be looking to raise or re-raise with high pocket pairs in any position at a full ring or 6-max table. You want to reduce the number of players involved in the pot to improve your chances of winning the hand. Look to play them aggressively on the flop and turn after you have taken initiative of the pot pre-flop.

Never slow play these hands when you have an over pair. You should be betting for value to protect your hand because they are susceptible to getting outdrawn and rarely are the best hand when facing a lot of aggression. Play your pocket pairs right at luckyacepoker.com and get up to $400 free. Use the lucky ace promotion code: opbc and your first deposit will be matched 100% up to $400.

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