Playing low pairs, pre-flop

I never quite know what to do in this situation ... especially in NL.

If I get a pair of 3's or 4's, then I know that they're probably going to be losing to any other pair that somebody else makes, which is pretty likely to happen once the flop hits.

So it seems I've either got three choices:

- Call and hope I get lucky by hitting trips
- Accept that somebody will pair something on the flop and fold
- Try to defend my pair by placing a large bet pre-flop.

None of those options really seem right, so I'd be really grateful if anybody could give me some suggestions.

Cheers ...

The two most common words in poker discussions: "it depends".

In general I like to raise it up, and if there is a flop I'll usually set it or forget it. Someone is going to chime in with a lot of information here, I myself am too tired right now but I'll give it another shot in the morning :D-

Ok here's how to play them. I got this from AOK and I have started to become an avid follower of his 19 starting hands.

For low pocket pairs limp in or call a raise up to 5xbb

if there is a raise and reraise in front of you, then your best bet is to fold.
If it is more than 5X BB then I would fold.

Also make sure that the raiser has more than 2oxbb in his stack to make it worth while.

Your one and only goal is to hit trips and destack the villain. If you don't hit then all you have to do is check/fold

D

Ring or tournament ?

There are a lot of factors to consider but here is a basic rule of thumb
early position: Drop them unless the table is very passive
middle position: limp/call moderate raises if raiser has a deep stack
late position: if you are first to act raise it