How do you play small pocket pairs?

How do you usually play small pocket pairs like 22–66? Do you prefer to set mine or play them more aggressively in some situations?

Good morning everyone.


I use a very simple rule: when I am very deep (more than 50 blinds), I avoid complicating things. If I have small pairs — 22, 33, 44, 55, 66 — I basically play to hit a set.

If I don’t hit a set, it’s over. It doesn’t matter the board. For example: it comes 5, 6 and jack — I don’t keep calling another bet. I simply fold and move on, without complicating things.

Now, when I am with 20 or 15 blinds, the strategy changes a bit. Depending on the opponent — especially if they are very aggressive and open many hands — you can adjust and not play so rigidly.

Small pocket pairs? Set mine early, don’t get married to them later. If you miss the flop, it’s usually a fold if you hit, go get paid. Simple, disciplined, profitable.

SergioV said:

How do you usually play small pocket pairs like 22–66? Do you prefer to set mine or play them more aggressively in some situations?

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Of course, it all depends on the situation. You have to consider the position, the stack size, the stage of the tournament. In most cases, I raise and wait for a set.

If stacks are deep then I am looking to set mine. If short stacked then it could be a good spot to just shove.

Normally, when they are initial blinds, you only pay the blind, and when they are pairs (8-8, 9-9, 10-10), you double the blind.