Where do I begin? Playing small pairs is always a problem. I have spoken with many authorities on the subject and the answers are varied. But all have agreed that the concept of playing small pairs is to flop the set, which is well hidden and can give you the biggest return on your pot investment. I give you here my take on the subject which has worked for me through the years.
The Format
For this discussion I am assuming a single table tournament with 9 or 10 players. The blinds will move up at the normal 10 minute intervals. The chip stack is 1500. I consider small pairs as (2,2) through (8,8).
Stages
I will break down the playing of pocket pairs by the three stages of a tournament, Early, Middle and Late.
The Early Stage
In the early stage of the tournament, the blinds are low, usually starting off with (10/20) or (15/30). There has been little time to gather information
and all players are still in the game.
Pre-Flop
If I am in good position, weather I limp in, fold or raise will depend on the betting before me. Assuming the betting is cautious and I can see the flop for a small amount (60 chips or less), I will call. If the betting is heavy, since I have no information and the odds of seeing the ’set’ or third of a kind on the flop is less than 19%, I will fold.
Turn and River
In almost all cases the flop will bring overcards to my small pair. If I got lucky and hit my set, then I will bet (not too aggressively since my set is well hidden and I want the biggest return I can get).
If I did not hit my set then I must watch the betting carefully since my chances are much slimmer now. If the betting is aggressive, I will fold. Remember I got to see the flop for a cheap price.
If the betting is still conservative, I will take a chance on the turn. If nothing hits on the turn, I will assume (right or wrong) that some player has paired and I will fold.
There is a tendency for a large percentage of players to continue on through the entire play, river and all, to see if they can hook the set. THIS IS WRONG PLAY.
Middle Stage
At this stage of the tournament, we can assume that there are 6 or less player left and the blinds are (75,150). If you have done your homework, you have some information on how these players bet and can make a more informed decision.
Now position is power. In good position you can observe the betting and see who the aggressive players are. From your information gathered you can make a decision to raise or fold. NOTICE I did not say CALL! Calling gets you no new information and prolongs the agony.
If not in good position you must make the difficult decision to bet or fold. This is where your chip stack comes in.
If you have built a good chip stack and have 15 or more rounds left (of blinds) then you can take a chance that your small pair might be good or that you will hit the set.
If your chip stack is low I would advise folding and waiting for a more favorable hand.
Late Stage
Here I will assume there are no more than three players left and that the blinds are (150,300) or higher.
With only three players left, ANY pocket pair is playable. I would be aggressive from the start and watch to see who re-raises and how much. If the board shows mostly overcards, I would be cautious and probably fold to a large raise (by now I know how the players bet).
If I am shortstacked, this is the time to shove (go all in).
I know. I know. There are so many unanswered questions. Please use our Q&A. I will return an answer to you promptly.
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