One of the most difficult decisions in the game of poker is what to do with small pocket pairs. While they are a pocket pair – and in this case we are considering pocket deuces through pocket sixes – and are ahead of every hand but a higher pair, at the end of the five card board they can be easily run down. Thus, the decision to play and how to play these hands can be problematic. In a Limit game, the baby pair can be played in pretty much any position unless there’s capped betting by more than two players. About one time out of eight you can catch that set and make a sizeable profit. Additionally, if you miss on the flop or turn, the hand can be released with a marginal loss. In No Limit games or tournaments, however, the cost can be significant. In the No Limit game you have to consider several factors before thinking of playing a small pair: aggressiveness of the table, your image, your position and your stack size. If you can implement these guidelines, you should see improvement at the tables. Early Position (UTG to Third To Act) This is the most difficult place to ...