5/10 Stud Hand

[pianist]

If you're routinely folding a pair of Nines just because there are a couple of over-cards behind you, I think that you're leaving money on the table in a typical $5/10 game.

In the original problem, the bring-in has a ten, so there are three higher overcards out against him, not two. The bring-in counts because so many players automatically bring-in for the minimum no matter what. Having three overcards out against you is considerably more dangerous than two.

In a 4-handed game you should limp in with 995 because you will often have the only pair, but if it turns out you don't, you saved money by limping. With the antes, you're usually getting correct immediate odds to limp but not to raise.

In an 8-handed game, 995 should probably be folded if there are three overcards behind you. (A9)9 with a live ace would be a different matter, because now you have a chance to make the best two pair, and your aces would be split.