How to Play Small Pairs in Poker

At a table full of solid players, a small pair probably won’t get you far, but the poker rooms attract a wide variety of players with wildly different skill levels and playing styles.

It is not uncommon to come across a reckless player that just likes to bet, or a ballsy player that is addicted to the thrill of the bluff. Once you have identified these players and their styles, you have found an easy target and a perfect situation for playing a small pair.

Very few serious players will not fold their small pair to a large bet. But there are people out there that are just playing poker for the excitement of winning. These players will take the risk and bet on anything for a shot at the pot.

While initially other players may think they are just getting good hands, with careful study you will see that they are a fish in the making.

The beauty of a repeat bluffer is that when you bet on your small pair, you yourself are countering with a semi-bluff.

If you’ve watched them bet high on weak cards for several hands, then you know you will probably not convince them to fold with even a raise, but you also know it is unlikely that they are holding anything of value.

You can reduce your risk of handing them another pot simply by looking for other tells.

For example, if they bet particularly high every time they get an Ace and Face combo, you can predict when they’ve gotten it again by future bet patterns.

If the flop is all low cards and you have a small pair, then you know in all likelihood that you already have them beat.

It is rare that a small pair, as the second lowest combination in the game, has any real value. But
knowing how to spot repeat bluffers can provide a solid opportunity for turning your small pair into a large pot.

With the right consideration, not only are you likely to beat the bluffer, but you are likely to rake in a large pot thanks to their aggressive betting.

The added bonus in this situation is that you can teach another player a lesson. Don’t let them control an entire table of players that are quite possibly better but too conservative to challenge their bluff.

You don’t have to wait for that rare monster; many times a small pair will do.

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