ok this is driving me crazy ...what is the best way to play low-med pocket pair...do you limp in and if you dont flop trips fold? or raise to thin out the field and play aggresive.... i mean i know to play aggresive if there are no overcards on the flop..i just cant seem to find a play that works for me....any input would be great thx

it depends on the table, the game, your stack, etc...

post some hand histories

How I generally play PF
EP - Fold 22-99, maybe even TT or JJ depending on looseness of table.
MP - If there have been a few limpers I'll come in with a few smaller pairs like 9s and 8s but again this depends on the looseness of the table. If the guys in LP make positional raise all the time then I fold.
LP - I raise with 88+, if I get re raised it depends on the amount and my reads on the re-raiser.

On the flop, if there are 2+ overcards, it's a multi way pot and I haven't made a set, I check/fold.
If there is 1 overcard in a multi way pot and I haven't made a set I will check/fold in most cases. When I might not is if a guy I have position on (and is generally weak on the turn) bets at the flop and everyone else folds round to me. Here I might call to try and make a play on the turn, especially if it's checked to me. After all a lot of idiots will lead out with middle pair on the flop even with lots of players behind them.
If there are only a few players to the flop and I have good position then I will generally bet as long as there is only one card.

Overpair to the board - aggressive until you're told you're behind.
e.g. you called a PF raise with JJ and the flop comes 752 rainbow and you get re raised by a TAG player.

The key is to play for set value.

Hope this helps, this is only roughly how I'd play, every hand depends on the circumstances of the game though, obviously.

Wow, there's no easy answer to this. In general, if you are talking about pairs that are 88 and lower and you're in MP then sure, limp and see if you can see a flop for cheap. If you are in LP (ie CO or Button) raise as you usually can pick up the pot. If you get a caller you're probably ahead, and if you get a raiser it's up to you to call.

These types of questions are very tough to answer without complete information. Stacks, position, table image, opponents' image, tournament vs. cash game. Unless all of the facts are present it's almost impossible to give sage advice.

If you want a more indepth look at small pairs, listen to this:
http://pod.sptimes.com/anteup003.mp3

EP - Fold 22-99, maybe even TT or JJ depending on looseness of table.

I cant see when it is ever profitable to open-fold TT or JJ at a cash game. 6 handed they are both a raise from any position.

9 handed:

At at very tight table you have a good chance to take blinds/narrow field with an open raise.

If the tables loose you can get value limping and calling a raise to play for a set.

If the table is completely manical with all ins every hand JJ figures to be ahead of these maniacs range so play all in.

I dont see why anyone would fold any pair pre flop.

Originally Posted by WotaWaster

I cant see when it is ever profitable to open-fold TT or JJ at a cash game. 6 handed they are both a raise from any position.

9 handed:

At at very tight table you have a good chance to take blinds/narrow field with an open raise.

If the tables loose you can get value limping and calling a raise to play for a set.

If the table is completely manical with all ins every hand JJ figures to be ahead of these maniacs range so play all in.

I can't see why anyone would want to be all in PF in a cash game with JJ.

Considering the chances of an overcard coming down when u have TT or JJ and your positional disadvantage, I don't see the point of calling raises with these hands.

Originally Posted by jharding666

I can't see why anyone would want to be all in PF in a cash game with JJ.

Considering the chances of an overcard coming down when u have TT or JJ and your positional disadvantage, I don't see the point of calling raises with these hands.

are you serious?

1. he said against a maniac tt and jj are hands to play. which they are, if a guy was happy to get any 2 cards all in pf tt and jj are way ahead of his range. if a guy was shoving in a full buyin with every 2 cards he was dealt, you would honestly fold jacks? you are ahead way more than not!

2. this is a terrible way to think in pretty much every form of holdem.
u seriously open fold tt and jj to raises!? u are terrible! middle pairs arent the nuts in nl holdem but they are strong starting hands.