Texas Holdem: Playing the Big Pairs

Any good Texas Holdem strategy guide will point to the usefulness and flexibility of big pairs, yet it remains a fact that a lot of online players do not know how to play it or lay it down when it has weakened. It ends up costing them the game. To prevent this from happening, you should know how to play them correctly.

The big pairs, or premium hands in Texas Holdem, of course are the AA, AK, the pair of Kings, and depending on the table, can include KQ and QQ.

Now, the Texas Holdem strategy for playing the big pairs is to use them quickly When you get them, raise and re raise. Make the draws as costly as possible. What you need to know is that when it comes to these big hands, the fewer opponents on the table, the stronger they are. The opposite is also true.

The beauty of big pairs is that they also usually make for good draws. For instance, if you have AA in the middle position and raise, and you still end up seeing the flop, that is still all right, because with that kind of hand, your Texas Holdem strategy allows for a possible high set, or a high two pair.

When you are holding AK or KK, the same Texas Holdem strategy should be used. However, should you see the flop, be wary of any Aces there. If there is one, consider how many players are in the flop. If there are a lot, then chances are high that someone has the other Ace.

This is something you should also be wary of when you are holding KQ or QQ on the pre flop. Of course, if you are on the button and no one raises, then the proper Texas Holdem strategy would be to raise, as you probably have the best hand.

Keep in mind that the high pairs, while very strong, will weaken as the game goes on. As long as you keep improving your hand, you will be all right. However, if it is the turn or the river and you are still holding on to that AA, then your Texas Holdem strategy might consider folding.

By this time, a lot of your opponents might have already gotten superior hands. Always be on the lookout for coordinated flops, like those having straights or suited hands.

Holding the big pairs in Texas Holdem is a big edge, but only if you know how to play them. Too many players are unable to handle it properly, and end up wasting it.

Now that you know the proper circumstances to play them, you will never make that same mistake, and instead make money of those that still do.