Post by Randy C on Sept 20, 2006 11:53:57 GMT -4
I read someplace that pocket jacks were a "little big hand", and I couldn't find a more fitting phrase to describe them. They are not quite small enough to just fold, and not quite big enough to push hard...So how EXACTLY do you play this starting hand? Before I answer that question, let me give you some facts about them. Overcards will come just about 50% of the time, so pushing all in pre-flop is a real gamble. Also, some people treat pocket J's like a drawing hand and hope it catches, and it will approximately once out of every 7.5 times. Those are the facts!
Knowing what I outlined above, the answer to how you play them in my opinion is this: Push till you get pushed...Period! Plain and simple...Pocket J's are too good a hand to just throw away, although I do know people who faithfully muck them in any other position, but last... I really do! I also know people who play them like pocket aces, throwing a "hail mary" and hoping that the odds are on their side this time...
In my opinion there is a gray area and playing J's cautiously is what I find suits this situation best. You will profit from this hand in the long run if you play it just this way.
The enduring malady of poker player's worldwide seems to be the soulful bellow after their J's have been cracked. They kick themselves for playing them in the first place...and often you'll hear them exclaim, "I hate pocket J's!" It's almost painful to watch. Pocket J's are a touchy hand...and you must play them carefully. Watch the overcards, and if one hits and you are pushed back...MUCK THEM! Save yourself the aggravation and the chips!
All In,
Randy C -
Knowing what I outlined above, the answer to how you play them in my opinion is this: Push till you get pushed...Period! Plain and simple...Pocket J's are too good a hand to just throw away, although I do know people who faithfully muck them in any other position, but last... I really do! I also know people who play them like pocket aces, throwing a "hail mary" and hoping that the odds are on their side this time...
In my opinion there is a gray area and playing J's cautiously is what I find suits this situation best. You will profit from this hand in the long run if you play it just this way.
The enduring malady of poker player's worldwide seems to be the soulful bellow after their J's have been cracked. They kick themselves for playing them in the first place...and often you'll hear them exclaim, "I hate pocket J's!" It's almost painful to watch. Pocket J's are a touchy hand...and you must play them carefully. Watch the overcards, and if one hits and you are pushed back...MUCK THEM! Save yourself the aggravation and the chips!
All In,
Randy C -