Daniel Negreanu On How To Play Middle And Small Pairs

Middle and Small Pairs

Lately, I've been misplaying these middle and small pairs. So I went back to review how Negreanu would play these hands using his small ball tournament strategy. This information is obtained from his latest book Power Hold'em Strategy.

Middle Pairs: Pocket 7's to 10's

Don't overplay these hands. They are good hands because of the implied value in lieu of their preflop strength.

Pre-flop: If first who are holding cards, a raise of 2.half a dozen times the large blind.

Flop: If you hit your set, play to win big. If you miss, don't auto-fold unless the action indicates a great deal of strength.

Small Pairs: Pocket 2's to 6's

Play these pairs such as the middle pairs.

Pre-flop: Do not re-raise your opponents.

Example #1:

You have 10s-10d.

A tight player beneath the gun raises prior to flop. You call from your button.

Important note: Please don't re-raise a strong player who raises within the gun with pocket 10's. I see this happen all too often along with the only reason I can think someone does the reason being they are not attending to.

The flop: 8h-4h-3c.

The tight player checks. What when you do?

Bet because 1) Your opponent checked and it will define your assailant's hand 2) If you check, your assailant may have the opportunity to hit his almost certainly hand, A-K and 3) A flush draw is found and you may lose if he hits his hand and/or covers a flush draw on the turn.

If he check raises you here, just fold. Tight players won't come up with a play in this situation.

If he calls your bet, proceed with caution. He may be setting a trap with pocket Aces.

Example #2:

You have 9h-9c.

Blinds $25/$50 plus a player raises to $150 from middle position. You ask small blind.

Flop: Qh-7d-2s. You check and the opponent bets $300. This opponent is aggressive and will c-bet, so you call.

Turn: 7c. You check and your opponent bets $600. What in case you do?

Check raise to $1200 or $1500. If he re-raises you, you are able to fold. If he calls, check the river. If he bets the river, you might be beat.

Example #3:

You have 4d-4s.

You boost the $50/$100 blinds to $250 in late position. The small blind calls.

Flop: 8h-9s-9h. The small blind check calls your $400 bet.

Turn: download domino qq Kc. The small blind check calls your $600 bet.

River: 8d. Your opponent checks. What in case you do?

Don't check although the board counterfeited your small pair. Bet $800 to the $2700 pot. It looks being a legitimate value bet. If you're wrong, that small a bet won't hurt your stack if you are beat.