Playing high pocket pairs
 

Could you please advise me on how to maximize winnings from high pocket pairs (i.e. QQ, KK, AA). I typically play .25/.5 at full tilt which I think is relatively tight compared to many micro games.

In particular I'm wondering if there is any merit in slow playing pre-flop.

Thanks

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

never slowplay pf is the best advice. put in max bets pf always. deception earns you less than straightforward play.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

Another vote for never slow play. If you find everyone folding to your raises from EP open your raising standards more instead of limping your big hands.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

In the last session review I received it was put to me very succintly

[ QUOTE ]
There's a reason the standard play is standard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

Don't slowplay preflop.

Here's something I did a while back:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showth...e=0#Post9781599

Maybe it will help you if you have the patience to look some of the hands there.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

actually I have no problem with a hand like this vs someone who is like 10/5/1.6

pf hero holds KK in MP3
folds to hero, who raises, 1 fold, button 3bets, blinds fold, hero calls.
hero c/r just about any flop.

this is pretty rare tho.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

At .25/.50, you'd be ill-advised to ever slowplay big pocket pairs; there are just too many poor players in these games. If anything in tight-passive games, you should be raising slightly more marginal hands preflop(especially if you're opening the action). Tight doesn't mean good at these limits.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

As has been said above, slowplaying PPs preflop is not universally wrong but is practically always going to be a mistake at your limits unless you're heads-up against a player you know to be decent.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...part=1&vc=1

File that away for if you manage to move up to 2/4.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

Thanks guys. Recently I have been limping from early position with AA as it's frustrating if everyone folds and all you win is 1.5sb. Maybe I've been lucky, but so far, I've had good payoff.

Kerowo makes a good point though (ie if everyone is folding open raise more often). Sounds like this is resoundingly, the better strategy.

Re: Playing high pocket pairs
 

Thanks also for the links. Some good threads.