Texas Hold'em Hands: Low Pairs Starting Hand

A starting pair (pocket pair) is a great way to win a hand in Texas Hold'em. Top pairs, such as Aces and Kings, are the best weapons in your arsenal and will most often bring you victory. Low pocket pairs, however, are a little different because they require special attention and proper strategy to be profitable.

Why play low pairs?

We generally define low pairs as those below seven. Some more conservative players add pairs of seven and eight to this list. There are a few reasons to play low pairs. One reason is the excellent winning potential if you flop a set. The other reason is that with a low pair, you already have a chance of winning the pot even if you don't improve – which is less common with lower pairs. The main goal of playing low pairs, however, is to win as much as possible when you flop a set, four of a kind, or a full house.

Some tips for playing low pairs

There are a few different ways to play low pairs. Generally speaking, you will flop a set (make a set after the flop) about once every eight attempts. A simple strategy is to try to see the flop cheaply and then fold if you don’t make a set. But playing low pairs preflop isn’t always that easy.

If you are in early position with a small pair, there are two recommended courses of action: enter the pot aggressively by representing a better hand than you have, or simply fold the hand. Entering the pot with the minimum bet (limp) in early position is generally not a good idea unless the pot is already large, or you are certain that the pot will get large. Entering the pot with a call or a raise is a more advanced strategy that should be used with caution and careful consideration; do not do this every time.

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In middle or late position, your decision is easier, since many players have already acted and you can have a good idea of whether it is worth entering the pot. If many players have limped, the pot is already so big that it is worth the risk of also calling the minimum bet and hoping for a set. If no one has entered the pot, a raise may be the best option and perhaps win before the flop. But be careful: in cases where there is a lot of action before you, such as raises, re-raises and more, then you can be sure that your hand is already at a disadvantage and clearly dominated by better hands. Be opportunistic with low pairs in your starting hand, but don't be an idiot.

Weak opponents or few opponents

Small starting pairs are excellent hands to play against weak or few opponents. In a heads-up situation, your pair is likely to win on its own, without improving. The problem arises when you are up against a lot of opponents, because your small pair simply won't win unless you make a set or more. Take advantage of weak players and players with few stacks by pressuring them when the opportunity arises. They will often feel intimidated and start calling on impulse with weak hands. With your pair, you will probably have an advantage against these opponents.

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By carefully evaluating your opponents and using low pairs at the right time, you can make these hands a powerful part of your game. Don't be tempted to try to compete with an unimproved low pair unless you have sufficient evidence that your chances of winning are greater than your opponent's.