Question on how to play a small pair when you are ITM but the SS. Still have > than 10BB but the SB only completed. I contemplated going all in here but think it was wiser to just check.

Thoughts?


PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t150 (3 handed)

SB (t3995)
Hero (t2600)
Button (t6905)

Preflop: Hero is BB with , .
1 fold, SB completes, Hero checks.

Flop: (t300) , , (2 players)
SB bets t150, Hero folds.

Final Pot: t450

When you see the board pair up and counterfeit your hand, then you'll have your answer.

Seriously, little pairs like that can cost you a ton of money, even three handed. Check and pray for a set. You're not short stacked, only in third right now. If he caught even a piece of the flop, you're done.

CJ

Thanks for the response. I should have been more clear. I was only thinking of going all in pre-flop. After the flop (at least this one), I'm checking and folding to any bet.

I re raise him preflop. Possibly go all in depending on my read. When I'm 3rd I push aggressive to either catch up to win or bust out 3rd. The one thing is the blinds were still low relative to your chip stack so there is room to play conservative if your like that. Once that flop comes you ditch your pair even tho he could be on some kind of draw.

Playing small pairs hoping for trips 3 handed isn't a good move in my opinion. Play them all aggressive.

Yeah, I do agree with raising them up PF. Completing the blind is a +EV. I do it with any 2 cards if it's folded to me. Even small pocket pairs play very well 3 handed. I was confused by the question. Sorry.

CJ