is it ever correct to fold low pocket pairs?

[papawawa]

Here's the situation:
You are UTG+1 w/22. The game is normal, with only a few seeing each flop. UTG open raises; you have no idea how many others will call his raise. Is it correct to fold here, or is that taboo?

[MEbenhoe]

FOLD FOLD FOLD I wouldnt even play this hand UTG+1 if UTG folded or called, the fact that he raised makes it even worse.

[PITTM]

you can probably safely fold here. having to call 3 or 4 bets with pocket 2s is not desirable.

rj

[Danenania]

That would be a really bad call. If you were on the button and there were already a few coldcallers in front of you then calling would be fine. You really don't want to end up heads-up against the UTG raiser with 22. That's not fun.

[papawawa]

I'm sorry I know this is fundamental, but could you guys give me some guidelines for pocket pairs in EP, I usually just stay in no matter what. Thanks.

[MEbenhoe]

Generally in EP I will raise AA, KK, QQ, and JJ and call with TT, 99, and 88. The JJ also sometimes fits into the calling hands rather than the raising hands, but most often is a raise. Any other pairs I'll throw away from EP. As far as playing UTG+1 with an UTG raise I would reraise with AA, KK, and QQ and call with JJ and TT. 99 and 88 become trouble hands at this point because you're caught between the fact that you might have the best hand at that point but may be in trouble if you dont flop a set. These are calls you have to make depending on how the game has been playing and what types of hands the UTG player would raise with UTG. There are times where reraising this player with JJ, TT, 99, and 88 would be the correct play. This is just my opinion on the subject. Others may have different ones. I say listen to them all and decide which one makes the most sense and go with that. I'm sure if you could get Sklansky or Malmuth in on this conversation they'd have a much better explanation than I would.

[MrFroggyX]

In limit: FOLD.
In No limit: CALL. (But it depends on how deep stacks we are playing and my opponents in that game)

[Danenania]

Buy Small Stakes Hold 'Em by Ed Miller. There is a section that answers your question in great detail.

[Michael Davis]

When facing a raise, you have to fold this hand. However, despite the advice, many limit games, especially if you are playing at a B&M casino, will be such that you can limp with any pair from any position.

-Michael

[shawn_p]

It's 7.5:1 to flop a set, there's 3.5sb in the pot and you have to call two cold. The pot odds aren't there to make this call at only 1.75:1. Even if you have the best hand now w/o improving every card is a scare card. I'd fold in this spot.