Unsuited connectors

[floyd_gehrig]

I used the search function and can't find anything substantial on unsuited connectors. Most of the material I've read suggests that unsuited connectors are bad to play since they don't have as many outs as suited. My problem with SCs though is the temptation to call to the showdown when you a hit a flush, only to beaten by someone Ace-high, and lose substantial pots.

At least with unsuited connectors, you can quickly fold when you think someone's hit their flush. But with SCs, the only time when people will dance with you is if they think they can beat your flush, e.g. they have AKs or a full house. And if you do happen to have the nuts with your flush, most people freeze with a flush-friendly board and you only win small pots.

Am I thinking about this wrong? I understand that you play SCs mainly to hit a straight, and as I've explained, the outs for the flush seem to either reward small pots or lose big ones. If the additional outs for a flush are marginal, then the value of unsuited connectors aren't so bad relative to SCs. Any thoughts appreciated.

[Kagey]

Strictly speaking unsuited connecters have very little chance of hitting anything worthwhile. Check out the strategy guides on FTR for common odds. I think you need about 6.5-1 to hit anything worthwhile, and most of that is 8 out straight draws. I only play six handed so it's only worth calling from the SB and BB if the price is right. The implied odds are pretty poor as well. It's pretty difficult to strack someone with a big pair unless you bluff a lot, which I wouldn't advise until you can play solid ABC poker. Suited connecters have a higher value but as you pointed out, are difficult to get paid off with. You should really be raising with SC in EP, this will make it easier to C-bet and take down pots even when you miss. You will make money off people chasing 4 flusheswith the ace, king or worse when you hit. This will also make it less predictable when you raise with big cards.

[jyms]

SC have value in flopping multiple draws. If you flop an open ended straight draw you have 8 outs. If you flop a flush draw, you have 9 outs. But with suited connectors you can also flop combo OESD's and FD's, which can give you 15 outs. This allows your hand to have a 60% chance of completing either draw and makes your hand a favorite against any TP or 2pr hand on the flop. Flopping things like a gutshot straight draw and FD gives you 12 outs (48%) which is pretty much a coin flip, and if there is any money in the pot, gives you enough equity to get your money in.

You cannot be concerned about flush over flushes, since they don't happen as much as you think, not on a 3 flush board anyway. If the board is 4 to a suit, you have something to worry about.

[Robb]

If these are trouble hands for you, just don't play 'em. My premium hands JJ+, AK earn like 2 BB/hand. SC's and connectors earn on average about .1 BB/hand or less (and I don't play them very often at all). There's lots of earn rate to be found outside of connectors, suited or otherwise. Just ignore them except in the big blind, when it's limped to you, and play them as well as you can from there until you get a feel for it.

Not playing sc's at all is not a big leak, imo, especially at microstakes.