(Turbo $16) first hand JJ, MP

[JordanIB]

I've dabbled in the low-level SNG's for a while now, but have started to read this board now in earnest.

I'm assuming this is a "standard" situation, I just don't know what the "standard" move it.

First hand, Stars $15 Turbo, get JJ in MP, folded to me.

What's my move?

I had hands early hands like this, 99-JJ. I feel as though I'm always unsure both pre and post-flop.

[pineapple888]

Middle pairs are tough hands to play.

There are good arguments for both limping and raising.

The fewer players left to act, the more I like raising, because the more likely it is that you dominate everyone else, and because there are fewer people left who can also limp and let you play for set value.

[JordanIB]

Well, this one was the first hand.

You limping for set value? Or raising it up in MP?

[ QUOTE ]
Middle pairs are tough hands to play.

There are good arguments for both limping and raising.

The fewer players left to act, the more I like raising, because the more likely it is that you dominate everyone else, and because there are fewer people left who can also limp and let you play for set value.

[/ QUOTE ]

[Marc H]

Raise!
Since it's 10/20, raise to 80-100.

edit: since it's a turbo, you've got fewer chances to play good hands. There's an argument for raising more -- some gambooling donk may call you when he really shouldn't.

[pineapple888]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, this one was the first hand.

You limping for set value? Or raising it up in MP?

[ QUOTE ]
Middle pairs are tough hands to play.

There are good arguments for both limping and raising.

The fewer players left to act, the more I like raising, because the more likely it is that you dominate everyone else, and because there are fewer people left who can also limp and let you play for set value.

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

Me? I'm raising.

[Melchiades]

I might limp JJ in EP. But when it's folded to me in MP I raise JJ here. Sometimes TT as well, 88-99 I think I limp at this level.

[ QUOTE ]
I might limp JJ in EP. But when it's folded to me in MP I raise JJ here. Sometimes TT as well, 88-99 I think I limp at this level.

[/ QUOTE ]

I generally agree with this, open-raising JJ/TT, usually limping any smaller pair in the first two levels. With limpers in front though, I'll happily limp any pair up to JJ.

[joshman1204]

Try not to fixate on this being the "first hand" and just play it as if it was any other hand within this level. It seems that some times people can have an ego that will make them lay stuff like this down just so they dont go out on the first hand.