Texas Holdem,
Hand Selection
July 1 2008
When you play pocket deuces, your main goal should be to make a set on the flop. That’s the best you can hope for with such a hand. Since all you really have is a drawing hand, you should not raise pre-flop. However, don’t be afraid to call a raise. As long as the raise isn’t too big you should feel comfortable calling.
The unwritten rule is, "do not call a raise that is more than four times the big blind." You can call a raise like this because of implied winnings. If you do get lucky and make a set versus a player who has raised and you go on to win the hand, then generally what you win will make up for the risk you’re taking by calling the raise.
If you do get lucky and make your set on the flop, your next move should depend on what the rest of the flop contains. If the flop contains all different suits and is devoid of any straight draws or two big cards, you should be safe to slow-play if you think it will help you win more chips in the hand. But if you’re staring at a possible flush or straight draw, be sure to bet. Don’t allow your opponent to take a free card which could make your three deuces a loser.
One thing you must always be able to do with pocket deuces is fold them when the flop does not help you. If you miss making trips and the flop likely gave your opponent a higher pair or better, you must be able to fold and walk away. Do not chase with pocket deuces because you will almost always have only two outs even with the turn and river to come.
Learn more about Hand Selection in the
Bodog Poker Guide.
