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 analyze how Negreanu would play these hands using his small ball tournament strategy. This information is extracted 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 as opposed to their preflop strength.

Pre-flop: If first in the game, a raise of 2.5 times the top blind.

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

Small Pairs: Pocket 2's to 6's

Play these pairs much like the middle pairs.

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

Example #1:

You have 10s-10d.

A tight player within the gun raises ahead of the flop. You call in the button.

Important note: Please don't re-raise a strong player who raises under the gun with pocket 10's. I see this happen too often along with the only reason I can think someone has been doing the reason being they may not be paying attention.

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

The tight player checks. What in case you do?

Bet because 1) Your opponent checked and will also define your opponent's hand 2) If you check, your assailant could have an opportunity to hit his most likely hand, A-K and 3) A flush draw occurs and you may lose if he hits his hand and/or picks up a flush draw on the turn.

If he check raises you here, just fold. Tight players won't create a play in this case.

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 along with a player raises to $150 from middle position. You call on the tiny blind.

Flop: Qh-7d-2s. You check and your attacker bets $300. This opponent is aggressive and has a tendency to c-bet, so you call.

Turn: 7c. You check and your attacker bets $600. What should you do?

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

Example #3:

You have 4d-4s.

You raise 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: permainan domino Kc. The small blind check calls your $600 bet.

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

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