How to Play Small Pairs Pre-flop in Early Position

Small pairs can really cause you headaches sometimes, but they can also turn out to be huge hands so ideally, you want to play them. They're great for making three of a kind hands, and even full houses sometimes. When this happens, you can be very dangerous, and very sneaky! But what's the best approach to play the small pairs? It's all contextual play so there is not one absolute way. Let's look at some possible scenarios.

In early position, there are really two options available for you. Well, three if you consider folding immediatly, but I won't talk about that.

Option 1: If you have some credibility, you can come in with a raise indicating a strong hand. This accomplishes a few things. First, it will get people out of the hand, which is certainly something you want. Next, you can assume that a caller is probably holding similar cards then you are, or has two high cards. Finally, it sets you up for an eventual bluff attempt should you choose to do so later in the hand. The downside to this play is that you have to invest some chips by raising, and the odds of catching the card you need are not in your favor. If you do happen to catch a great flop, then that's great! Be aggressive, or set a trap, but if you don't catch anything on the flop, then it's all about playing the player, or folding. Another risk with this poker strategy is getting re-raised pre-flop. What do you do then? Generally, someone who re-raises a player who had raised in early position has a strong hand. Get out while you can! If you have way more chips then they do, then maybe you feel like gambling. And bluffing!

Option 2: Try and see a flop for as little as possible, start with a check or the minimum bet, and be ready to call a small raise. What's the benefit of this play? Well, you'll get to see a flop for very little, and if you manage to hit it, everyone already thinks you have a weak hand so you can set a trap easily. Again, remember that the odds of hitting the flop are not in your favor. What's not so great about this play? The most obvious response is that you indicated weakness to begin with. Your opponents will suspect you have a weak hand and will often try to pressure you. When that happens, you're back to a "play the player" situation. Choose to be aggressive on subsequent rounds, or get out of the hand.

Regardless of your position, always consider your table image, and the image of your opponents. Also, consider everyone's chip count. If you are facing a small stack, you can put pressure on them, but if you are the small stack, you could do something very stupid and loose it all (or something very brave and win! It's a matter of perspective). Your read of the situation is critical. Playing small pairs successfully is no small feat, and it requires practice and experience.  Sometimes, you'll know that the right decision is simply to fold and not invest anything in that hand, based on your knowledge of your opponents and how aggressive they are likely to be. That decision is much easier to make in late position of course. Sometimes, you know that if you are aggressive, you'll win. It's really all about the read you make, which is why I say experience matters. Don't kid yourself: playing small pairs can result in significant losses if you misread your environment. You have to know when to throw in the towel, when to fight honorably, and when to fight dirty. That is key.