Do not over play Small Pairs

Far too often I see players, mostly beginners, over play their middle pairs. These are the pairs from [5][5] to [T][T]. Don't  get me wrong. I love these kinds of hands and there are times when you should be raising with them for sure. However, when you are in early position and make a large raise you put yourself into a very precarious position. You are vulnerable to a re-raise yet many players continue to call big re-raises or even push with these kinds of hands in tournament play.

Basically, small pairs play themselves and here are a few general parameters you can use to determine how to play them.

1. Unless you have a better than average stack do not make large raises from early position with small pairs.
2. Limping in is best in early and middle position. This gives you the opportunity to simply call small raises or see a flop and hit a Set.
3. Raise limpers when in late position. This allows you to win uncontested pots and keeps your opponents guessing because you won't have to show your cards.

4. Don't shove your chips in the middle just because their is a low card board and you have a small pair. Remember, you opponent could easily have you beat with a larger pair. Make a probe bet and find out where you are at in the hand.

If you can do those four things consistently you will find that your small pairs will play much easier for you and you will have more success with them.