Help with middle pocket pairs

[kstarm]

I am still learning quite a bit and I could use some help with middle pocket pairs. With AA-JJ I understand a raise pre-flop. With 22-66 I understand you want to see the flop cheap and hopefully make a set. How about 77-TT strategy, and how are these hands valued as the number of players decreases. I am sure they are more valuable but I could use a little more specifics.

Thanks

[Greedo017]

in general, 22-99 you play the same, TT-JJ you play the same, QQ-AA you play the same. 22-99, limp preflop, hope for a set. TT/JJ limp in EP, raise in MP or LP, call a raise. QQ-AA, raise or reraise preflop, KK-AA going all-in is fine, QQ don't usually go AI preflop with.

In my opinion, i change that little as the numbers of players decreases.

[Miffed22001]

if your playing full ring then limp anything upto 99
in lp with few limpers raising 77,88,99 is an option, but be sure to know when to put down post flop.
TT/jj are many peoples nightmare hands. For me id play and raise in all positions hoping for a favourable flop and a pot you have built up.
if you play six max then id suggest making a raise with any pocket pair due to the limited amount of hands available
really IT DEPENDS on position with 77-99 if you can limp or are in ep/mp then limp and see a reasonable raise. but if you think you can steal the pot preflop then try by raising
hope i helped

[DogOnMySide]

These are interesting hands - some of the most profitable and some of the hardest to play... i agree with what's been posted, although i think you should also keep in mind the whole 'pump it or dump it' thing if you're first in.

I could be wrong and I need to assess it for long-term profitability - it *could* be a leak! - but if i'm in MP and i have a pair of 5's (for example) and everyone's folded to me, i'm raising it up. (depending on the table 'feel' of course)

If everyone's folded to you and your hand isn't worth a raise, why would you play it? Post-flop bets have far more credibility as well.

[edudlive]

22-99 limp from all positions (though raising 66-99 in late is certainly ok to vary your play), if the flop comes undercards to your 88 or 99, you can try to take it down there..but watch out because there is a good chance someone else limped a smaller pair that hit a set or an overpair

TT-JJ, raise TT and reraise with JJ, hope for a set most of the time though (this turns into a VERY well disguised hand, just like flopped sets for 66-99 when you raise preflop)

[UG]

Maybe I'm a tighty but I play 22-JJ pretty much the same. Limp preflop and try to hit a monster with them. No set, no bet. End of story.

TT and JJ are powerful preflop but when the flop hits...they can be worthless more often than not. I try to play JJ kinda like 88. This is for ring games, during tournaments I'd play them much differently (I'd push them harder).

[edudlive]

Maybe I'm a tighty but I play 22-JJ pretty much the same. Limp preflop and try to hit a monster with them. No set, no bet. End of story.

TT and JJ are powerful preflop but when the flop hits...they can be worthless more often than not. I try to play JJ kinda like 88. This is for ring games, during tournaments I'd play them much differently (I'd push them harder).

I play 6max but you are probably losing a lot of dead money if you don't play TT and JJ more aggro

[kstarm]

Thanks for the replies. It seems that there are a few different mentalities with these cards. Another question I had is how long do you hang on to them, and when do you try to win the pot post-flop? If only you have overpair?

I feel I could make these hands more profitable then they currently are for me and I appreciate all the help.

Thanks