Playing Small Pocket Pairs
Understanding Small Pocket Pairs
Small pocket pairs, typically defined as 22 through 66, are hands with a clear strategic purpose: set mining. These pairs have approximately 12% chance of flopping a set, which is a very strong hand. When they do flop a set, they often win large pots because the set is well disguised.
However, when they miss The Flop, they are essentially one-pair hands that are vulnerable to overcards.
Set Mining Fundamentals
Set mining means calling a Pre-Flop raise with a small pocket pair specifically to flop a set. For set mining to be profitable, you need sufficient implied odds. The general rule is that you need to win at least 15 times your pre-flop investment when you hit.
This means effective stacks should be at least 15 times the size of the raise you are calling.
Position and Small Pairs
Position significantly affects the profitability of small pocket pairs. In position, you can control the pot size when you miss and extract maximum value when you hit. Out of position, it is harder to realise the implied odds that make set mining profitable.
Consider folding small pairs from early position against raises, especially in tournaments where stack sizes may not support profitable set mining.
When Set Mining Is Not Profitable
Set mining becomes unprofitable when stacks are too shallow, typically below 20 big blinds effective. In these situations, you rarely win enough when you hit to compensate for the times you miss. Also avoid set mining against opponents who are unlikely to pay off your set, very tight players who only put in money with strong hands provide poor implied odds for your small pairs.
Playing Small Pairs When You Miss
When you miss your set, which happens 88% of the time, you must be willing to fold to a bet on most boards. Attempting to bluff with small pairs on boards containing overcards is generally unprofitable because your hand has little equity if called. Occasionally you can check back and take a free card in position, but do not invest significant chips hoping to catch your two-outer on the turn or river.
