How to play 99 from early position...

[JCoe]

it's definately a strong move. i would think your decision to use it in the future depends on 1) the read on your opponents, which you seem to have good ones, and 2) the % of times you get them to fold. with them raising, i would think that your 99 is a small favorite to two over cards Ak-AT kq, qjs jts or a big dog to a higher pair. i think that if you're getting better than 60-70 % folds, its a good move. also, your ability to come back from a short stack plays a part. if you play well short stacked, i think you can continue with the play. jmo

[DarrenX]

Thanks for your response. I figure the majority of the hands I'm a big dog to would reraise, which would make an easy fold for me. I definitely will keep track of my stats on this move and see how it goes.

As far as playing with a short stack, this hypothetical occurs in the early stages with an average stack. A hit of 150-270 to my 1000 stack with 10/15 or 15/30 blinds wouldn't be devastating, although as I read this, it seems I'm risking quite a bit for not much. My thought is I've been skewed based on results, and the first time this one slaps me in the face I'll wonder, "what the heck was I thinking?" [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]