Poker Betting Strategy: Playing a Paired Flop

Betting Strategy
January 11 2009

Every so often a flop will come off that has a pair in it. This situation can be both danger and opportunity. Often the player who bets first will pick up this pot, but there’s always the danger of running into trips or two pair. Some of these flops are more dangerous than others, and taking the time to think about which cards are paired could be the difference between picking up a pot and running into a big hand.

Flops that have two aces, kings or queens in them are the most dangerous. Most players play big cards, so the chances of someone hitting trips are increased with the big cards, compared to a flop that has two 3s in it. Betting into a flop that has a pair of 3s in it, especially from one of the blind positions, will have a higher success rate.

If you have the other card in the flop for two pair, you want to be mindful of the previous rule. If it’s a low pair your hand has a better chance of being ahead. A bet will usually tell you where you stand. If you’re the one who flops trips it’s a good idea to bet it like you were trying to steal the pot. The only action you’ll get on this hand is by an over-pair or from a loose player who thinks two pair is good. Slow-playing it will be detected once you make a play; you might as well take the chance of creating a big pot.

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