Learning how to play pocket pairs is an important poker strategy to master because pocket pairs hold all the poker. How to play pocket pairs depends on position and number of opponents. Poker Site Reviews. ChipMeUp.com – Poker Staking. Poker news and online poker room reviews.

You hear it all the time whether it is during the conversations with your closest friends or in some topic on the poker forums ' online poker is rigged!' It doesn’t matter the site or the network, for many of us, when we play online, we sometimes have the feeling that the software is actually targeting us, forcing us to give up all of our bankroll. We see countless bad beats, coolers, or just situations where our foe miraculously comes from behind and takes down a huge pot and we slowly start to feel helpless.

So what do we do? We avoid looking in the mirror and start blaming something or somebody else. In the case of online poker, it’s definitely the Random Number Generator - basically the program that shuffles the deck of cards - a.k.a the RNG. But is the RNG really to blame for our poker misfortunes? Is online poker rigged? And if it’s not, why are there times in which it feels that way?

To start things off in a proper, interesting manner, let’s say it has to do with both our human flaws or the way our memory works and the very different nature of the game in the online environment. Not convinced just yet? Then start reading the next lines and be prepared to see this debate from a whole different perspective.

The Bad Beats Are Easier To Remember

It’s definitely not news when we state that we have a much easier time in remembering the bad things in our lives. There are many scientific studies that can confirm this undeniable fact. One study says that this is the result of evolution: negative emotions like sadness and rage trigger increased activity in the part of the brain linked to memories. Our emotional brain is also overloaded with information. In other words, we have to remember such things to try to avoid making the same mistakes later.

Unfortunately, as compared to real life situations, the game of poker is a different beast. In poker, if the outcome is negative, it doesn’t necessarily mean we made a bad decision. We actually may have made the right decision but our brain can’t quite process that. So naturally, we tend to remember things like bad beats and unlikely situations in which our foe won easier than the times we suckout our opponent. In fact, the times when we came from behind to win a random poker hand are blurry and not as distinguishable as a bad beat. And that’s why we tend to believe we witnessed countless numbers of bad beats and not nearly enough suckouts.

What we can do, however, is be honest with ourselves and take a long look in the mirror. Start tracking our online poker history with different softwares like Poker Tracker and Holdem Manager and just look at the times when we suckout. It does look different than the way we remember it, doesn’t it?

Faster-paced, Means Greater Chance To Run Into Big Hands

Besides our obvious flaws, we need to take into consideration other aspects that have to do with the dynamics of the game. Remember, online poker is quite different than your average home game or live casino game. Why? First of all, online we can play much more hands than live; we can multi-table and see thousands of poker hands on a daily basis. At a casino game, the action is slow, and the shuffle takes longer so the volume can’t quite compare with the online business.

So what does it mean? Well, it means we can accumulate more experience in less time as compared to the live green felt. We don’t have to play for years like the pros of old to truly master the game. We can literally play over one million hands per year, inconceivable in the past when there were only a handful of poker tournaments and not that many opportunities to play cash games. But it also means is that we have a much greater chance of running into big hands. Since we see that many hole cards and community boards, expect to see quads and even a straight flush more often than live. This is not to mention situations in which our foe will outrun us even though he was way behind when the poker hand started.

Poker is still a game of chance and very few things are certain. The bullets - pocket Aces - have 85% chance of winning at showdown preflop versus a random hand. So given a big enough sample, that can easily be achieved online. At least one time - if not two - out of ten we will have our Aces cracked. This is not because of some rigged software, it’s a matter of probabilities and statistics.

Different Online Game Dynamics

The speed is just one facet of the online game that makes it different from live, the game dynamics are another difference. We can look at them from two different perspectives.

Let’s talk about the micros first. At the lowest stakes, we may encounter players who enter the pot with many unusual and what we call unplayable poker hands. The reasons behind those decisions may not have to be rational; many of them simply want to take a garbage hand like 72 offsuit only to crack someone’s Aces or outrun a premium hand. That’s their thrill, and since we’re talking about the micros, they can afford to do it. As a consequence, the game dynamic changes dramatically as compared to live where the stakes are much higher thus it is much more expensive to think like that.

We also have to take into consideration that that tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, are playing online from all around the world on a given poker site so you’ll see many players entering the pot with garbage, especially at micros. That’s why you have to expect your very good hands will be dominated by some crappy hands from time to time. It’s just the nature of the beast.

The other perspective has to do with the higher stakes, where the games are pretty much reg-infested. Compared with live, the online play in this situation is much cleaner. We will find many TAGs - tight aggressive players who play ABC poker at the low and medium stake. People who play many tables and not so many actual hands. That’s why, against them, we will have a greater chance of running into big hands and coolers. Again, it has nothing to do with the fact that the RNG hates you; the game dynamic is built in such a way that you will experience more coolers and nuts vs. second nuts situations than live.

Conclusion: Online Poker Isn’t Rigged!

So after all the analysis, is online poker really rigged? Of course it’s not, it’s just different than live. Basically, they may be regarded as two different games that require different set of skills besides hand reading, value betting, and bluffing.

And next time you’ll try to convince yourself it is indeed rigged, be honest with yourself. Try to see the truth past your own emotions and be critical of your game. Maybe you did some things wrong, maybe you have leaks in your game that cost you money and increase the variance, or maybe you just need to take a break. And if you’re still not convinced, why do you think there are winners at every known stake in the online poker world? W hy are there regulars and grinders who play certain games online for a living? How can they win and you can’t? Doesn’t it have to be rigged for all the players? Or is it fair just for chosen few - which makes the whole rigged statement even more nonsense?

In other words, the more we dig in and use our logic, the clearer we can see the truth that is online poker isn’t rigged. It hasn’t ever been and won’t be in the future. It’s as simple as that, but why are we losing then? That’s the one-million-dollar question isn’t it?

What do you think? Why does it feel online poker is rigged? Do you really believe it is rigged? Then please share your reasons why you think in such a way in the comment section below.

Pocket Pairs

Pocket Pairs - Are some of the best starting hands in Texas Holdem . Below poker hands are shown form strongest to weakest in order of decreasing rankings. Also shown are common nicknames, Expected Value or EV (playing poker hands with a positive EV is statistically one of the best ways to succeed in poker so if your mucking 22, 33, and 44 a fair amount over the long term that is the correct way to play them), Playable positions / strategy tips, and warnings that the board may present to you - when to be careful and that you may not be in the lead or even drawing dead.

A great tell is if you bet large when you are strong and small when you are weak - or the reverse - a slow player. Use this tell, especially playing online poker to beat the weaker players.

Big Pairs

Big Pairs are the best starting hands in Texas Holdem. They are strongest heads up so raising to narrow the field is often the best option. AA and KK are good hands to call an all in bet pre-flop but caution is advised for QQ and JJ. If their is more than one player all-in, it is likely best to fold all but AA and KK.

Pocket Aces

A A

Playing Pocket Aces - American Airlines, Pocket Rockets or Bullets are the best starting hand in poker.

EV= 2.32

Playable in any position - Call any raise re-raise, occasionally limp or flat call so you don't become predictable. Remember pocket pairs are not the best drawing hands and are most often beaten by multiple players when you slow play too much on the flop and turn. If you are in the lead it is often best to lead out and bet the flop no matter what hits.

Warnings (play with caution) - possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Kings

Playing Pocket Kings - Cowboys or King Kong

EV= 1.67

Playable in any position - Play them stronger early against multiple players. If an ace hits the board lead out betting just as if you paired your ace - if you are re-raised its likely that you are beat - small bets should be called but large ones even if they are bluffs are better not followed. If your raise is called play cautiously possible checking or folding to a reasonable raise on the turn and river - if your hand does not improve

Warnings (play with caution) - an ace on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Queens

Q Q

Playing Pocket Queens - ladies or Hilton Sisters

EV= 1.22

Playable in any position - Make stronger bets early than AA or KK to remove weak draws to hands holding an ace or a King, especially on the flop when you are ahead. If their is more than one player all-in it is best to fold even pre-flop. If an Ace or a King hits the board on the flop it is likely best to go ahead and bet out as if you made your hand - be sure not to commit too much. If there is more than 3 players it is best to check and fold.

Warnings (play with caution) - Ace or King on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired (trips or full house)

Pocket Jacks

J J

Playing Pocket Jacks - Fishhooks or Jokers

EV= 0.86

Playable in any position - Stronger opening bets mixed with limps or calls, Play this one fast if you are ahead on the flop.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Tens

10 10

Playing Pocket Tens - Dimes, or Boxcars

EV= 0.58

Playable cautiously in early position, all other positions. Good to limp in with or play aggressively. In No Limit and Pot Limit fold to a raise and re-raise.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Medium Pairs

Playing Medium Pairs from 99 down you are starting to look at improving your hand more to carry you through to the river. It is better to either be the aggressor or the limper, an early re-raise can help establish your hand strength without committing too many chips. If your re-raise early it can help establish your hand strength without committing as many chips as playing the hand through. If your re-raise is raised you should consider mucking your hand unless you have a good read on your opponent. In tournament play you are looking to flop trips or win the hand early uncontested.

Pocket Nines

9 9

Playing Pocket Nines -Gretzky, Meathooks or German Virgins

EV= 0.38

Playable in any position except early position - pocket nines are more likely than no to be in the lead after the flop it is good to test the waters with a bet and to be weary of bets when there are over cards on the table it is also wise to bet out on three flush cards, straight cards or a pair as if you made them, you may get re-raised by a made hand but the smaller bet (but reasonable) on the flop will be profitable longer term as more often than not with one or two players in the pot your bet will scare them to fold. In the same case it is likely better to fold when faced with a raise in this situation.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Eights

8 8

Playing Pocket Eights - Snowmen, Double Infinity, Fat Ladies

EV= 0.25

Playable in any position except early position - small and medium raises and the occasional limp are good tactics.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Sevens

7 7

Playing Pocket Sevens - Hockey Sticks or Walking Sticks

EV= 0.16

Playable in mid to late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Sixes

6 6

Playing Pocket Sixes - Mario Lemieux , Route 66

EV= 0.07

Playable in late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Small Pairs

Small pairs should be played less often than medium pairs and from the later positions and cheaply on the blinds. Fours Threes and Deuces have a negative EV, so over the long term they are net losing hands. With these hand you like to see a flop to try to make trips cheaply or to win them uncontested. They fair far words against multiple players than the Big and medium pairs.

Pocket Fives

5 5

Playing Pocket Fives - Speedlimit or Nickels

EV= 0.02

Playable in late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Fours

4 4

Playing Pocket Fours - Magnum

EV= -0.03

Playable in late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Threes

33

Playing Pocket Threes - Hooters or Crabs

EV= -0.07

Two Pairs In Poker

Playable in late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic.

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pocket Twos

2 2

Poker Pairs

Playing Pocket Twos or Ducks or Swans

EV= -0.09

Playable in late position or the blinds with a raise or calling a small bet. Looking to have your opponents fold to your small to medium raising or to make trips. Limping in then calling to a small raise or folding to a larger one is another tactic. Heads up pocket twos are a favourite to AK.

Low Poker Pair

Warnings (play with caution) - Over cards on the board, possible straights, flushes, the board is paired

Pick A Pair Poker Online

General Pocket Pair Strategy

Poker Pocket Pairs

Pocket pairs are best played faster than drawing hands but what you really want is to make trips which happens 1 in 5 times. So it doesn't get too confusing what you may want to do is to play them all the same (same size bet) every time so that the other players don't get a tell on you. In Playing Texas Holdem Poker, No Limit Holdem and Pot Limit, you want to be more cautious especially against big bets. In Limit holdem you want to call more often to keep other players on their toes when making a bet. Remember to save bets when you can so that they can be bet when things are more decisively in your favour.