Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

I'm curious to hear strategies for playing medium pairs before the flop, say 8-8, 9-9, and T-T. If you're playing .25/.50 and .50/$1, from what positions do you raise with these pairs, and how many callers do you need to make the raise on loose tables at these limits? When do you just limp?

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

I will raise with these pairs first in from all positions. Behind limpers I will also raise them, and I will raise them from the SB and the BB. This puts you in tricky post flop spots in big pots, so if you are looking for simplicity and not looking to risk a considerable part of your win rate to up it a few % try raising them all first in, raising one or two loose limpers, and limping behind more limpers. I will three bet with these hands almost all the time as well.

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

Raising 99 and TT from any position, 3 betting TT against most opponents.

88 I will open raise from MP, raise behind limpers from Hijack, CO and Button.

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

Hey Philo-

I pretty much stick to the pre-flop recommendations in SSHE.

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

limping from early unless a really rocky table, and so raising. raising from mid-late. I hate overcards tho'

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

Wow, I'm surprised so many people raise with these hands at small stakes...

I limp with these hands pretty much exclusively.

Unless it's folded around to me in CO, BTN, or SB, then I'll raise.

I always play these hands for set value, never for high-pair value.

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

Raise in any position with 99 & TT. Limp from early with 88. Middle dependds on table, raise in late position with it.

Against raises, I'm just calling with 88 & 99. TT I'll re-raise.

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

TT & 99 you can play for top pair value with the added bonus of set value. Raise or reraise, but fold if it's 3 bets to you.

88 varies: if it looks like I'll get it down to 3 or less opponents OR the table is crazy loose, I'll raise. Otherwise, call.

Raising with 77 from the button first in. Pocket pairs lower than 77? Anyone?

Re: Playing medium pairs pre-flop
 

[ QUOTE ]
TT & 99 you can play for top pair value with the added bonus of set value. Raise or reraise, but fold if it's 3 bets to you.

88 varies: if it looks like I'll get it down to 3 or less opponents OR the table is crazy loose, I'll raise. Otherwise, call.

Raising with 77 from the button first in. Pocket pairs lower than 77? Anyone?

[/ QUOTE ]

Generally agree, but will raise a bit more often based on my table read. 77 and down are some of my favorite steal hands from the CO or Button - Raise if first to act, Call if lots of limpers already in, otherwise FOLD - but remember to mix it up and not be too easy to read.