One of the most difficult decisions at no limit hold'em is to know whether our pocket pair (medium or big pairs) is slightly better than another one.


Just an example of a REAL hand played in a no-limit game with $5 - $10 blinds. I start with the end of the hand.


BB is a loose player and he doesn't know the hold'em strategy (he entered this game two, three times, not knowing for example that a big pair is worth a raising in preflop action) WE call him LP. He is dealt Q-Q


UTG is a decent player and he is dealt K-K. WE call him DP


Action:


DP in UTG position raises $40, got 2 callers, SB folds and LP in BB position smooth calls.


Flop comes 8-5-2 rainbow (I remember very well this flop as in this hand I folded A-8...).


TUrn is a blank. LP (BB) checks, DP bets $120 (pot on the flop is $165), 2 callers fold and BB(LP) calls.


River is another undercard than QUeens (blank in the texture of the flop). BB checks, DP bets $200 called by the LP who lose the pot.


The question: HOw to detect a slightly higher pair? . (Yep you may notice that the player holding Queens lost LESS than a normal player dealt pocket ladies (MOre raising in preflop and on the flop...).


Is it sufficient the knowledge of the opponents to detect a SLIGHTLY higher pair or are there involved other important factors that I'm missing?


Comments appreciated,


Marco