How to play Small and Medium Pairs - Seven Card Stud Poker
When deciding whether or not to play the medium pairs, always consider the following factors (the first two are the most important).
If you are not in a steal position make sure all your cards are live before you decide to play:
- Do you have a strong kicker?
- What are the other upcards?
- Is the game tight or loose?
- Your hand is stronger when your pair is concealed.
- Holding a two-flush and/or two-straight gives your pair additional value.
You should generally fold your medium pairs in raised pots, unless you have a bigger kicker
than the pair the raiser is representing.
When you hold a medium pair and there are no upcards higher than your pair on the board,
you should almost always raise with them. If you have a strong kicker to your pair, it holds
certain advantages. For example, it allows you to represent a higher pair than what you hold
and it increases your chances of ending up with the best two-pair. If the pot is raised and you
have a strong kicker, you should call. If the pot has been raised and re-raised, you should
generally fold no matter what additional value you hold.
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