Making the Most of Low/Mid Pairs in No Limit
As you begin to play No Limit, you will eventually have to learn to play with all sorts of hands, even those that you do not like, as there will be situations wherein they will be all you will get. In the case of low and mid value pairs, it is even more essential, as these cards have often gotten players into trouble.
When you are holding a middle pair with an Ace for a kicker, you must consider your No Limit strategy very carefully. One of the problems with a lot of players is that they tend to overvalue any hand that has an Ace. In this case, you can end up with a two pair on the flop, to be sure, but the odds will likely give another player a bigger hand.
If you want to play with Ax hands, then you must have a suited low or middle pair, so that you will have at least a chance of getting a trip or the flush draw. If you are holding a mid value pair with a weak kicker, your No Limit strategy should be to check fold, and if the situation presents itself, get a free card to try and get to two pair. Otherwise, you should fold this hand, as in most cases it will not go far.
With low pairs in No Limit, your strategy and tactics will depend a lot on the kicker. If it is an Ace, you should fold. Even if you get the other Ace, you will almost certainly be beaten by another hand. It does not matter what position you are in; you should fold this hand, especially if it is a high stakes game.
If your kicker is of a lower value, then consider your position: if you are on the button, then you can adopt a No Limit strategy of betting, especially if the other players have checked. If the circumstances are right, and you have a good reading on the players on the table, you can bluff and get to see the other card on the turn for free.
These are the usual ways that low and mid pairs are played in No Limit, but of course there are always exceptions to the rule. Your stack, for instance, will play a huge factor, as well as those of the other players. By constantly evaluating the situation, you will become a much better No Limit player.
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