Seven Card Stud Strategy - Third Street Small Pairs

Small pairs are easy to beat, but they hold a surprise element if they are hidden. A vital condition for playing with a small pair (2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, 6's) is your position at the betting round. If you are first to bet, it's advised for you to pass since you will not have the needed information to tell whether you can win the round or not, but if you're last in the betting session you can gain information which would help you to read your opponents' hands.

Notice that a good kicker is a vital condition for continuing to play. A low kicker would be easily outmatched at later stages of the round, and with the help of a high kicker as your doorcard you would fool your opponents, they would probably put you on a high pair or trip, according to your bets.

Another crucial element that should be put into your calculations is your small pair's condition: are they live or dead? If they are live then you can use the element of surprise, but if they are dead you should simply fold. If your cards are live then you have a fair shot for making a three-of-a-kind, a trip, but notice that if any player shows signs for a Flush, a Straight or a high pair then you should fold now.

Mike Dent, Editor. 27/12/05