In a perfect work we would all play premium cards every hand but, in reality, this isn’t always an available strategy. In Texas Hold em Poker, all-roundedness and resilience are favourable traits. You can play smaller pairs or middle suited connectors some hands given the right situations.
Middle suited connectors are hole cards that fall within the middle of the stack so they have room available above and below them. Of course suited means they are the same suit. Examples of this would be 9C-8C or 7H-6H. It is fair enough to see a flop with these cards as long as the price to pay isn’t high. Don’t be afraid to make small raises though as these hands have the potential to make a lot of money from you opponents if you actually hit something on the flop.
Personally, I consider anything 10 and below a small pair and you can debate this as you will. You can take my tips or leave them. Lets face it though, the average poker player’s chances with a 10 are quite similar to a 3 or 4. Don’t move to the flop unless no one has raised before you, or after you call. Small pairs are one of the easiest hands to make a decision on; if you don’t pull trips on the flop just bail.
Middle pairs are much tougher to play and this is the reason its small or nothing in my books. If you can flop a set (a set is three of a kind) that’s great, if not you can get yourself into a pickle. Suppose you have yourself pocket 9’s and the flop comes J-8-4. Even if you opponent had bet first and its your turn or if you raise first and they call you, you have a dire situation on your hands. These types of plays require the utmost skill in decision making, with instincts playing a vital role in the process. Lets face it, you probably don’t have what it takes to make a call any better then a pure guess, and if you are playing online poker then you may as well be playing with your eyes shut. Solution? Don’t get into the situation to begin with.
Playing middle suit connectors and small pairs is a viable game plan in Texas Hold em Poker. Other factors, like opponents playing style, current position on table and available chips will also affect how these hands can be played. Don’t be scared, but don’t get too confident either, something usually tips the balance.
Alex is an avid Texas Hold Em Poker player and has dedicated his time, effort and money to learning the art and skill of successfully winning rounds of No Limit Hold Em. Shoot him an email at alex@mytexasholdempokertips.com or head on over to his informative website http://MyTexasHoldemPokerTips.com and read his free newsletter containing Texas Hold Em Poker Tips.
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