How To Play Underpairs in Cash Games
It sucks when your pocket pair misses the flop, especially when you’re looking at three overcards.
But you shouldn’t always just check and fold with an underpair. Playing underpairs optimally can help you make more money in the long run. Even though they are pretty weak hands, playing them wrong will cost you expected value continuously.
To help you play them better, in this article I am going to explain to you how to play underpairs in cash games both as the preflop raiser and as the preflop caller.
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Before teaching you how to play these hands, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.
What Is An Underpair?
An underpair is a pocket pair below the lowest card on the flop.
For example:
- You hold 55, and the flop comes K-Q-9.
- You hold 77, and the flop comes J-T-8.
- You hold 33, and the flop comes A-K-J.
Underpairs can be tricky to play, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. Learn the best strategies here.
- On a K♦ J♥ 6♣ flop, the underpairs are 22, 33, 44, and 55.
- On a Q♠ 9♠ 8♥ flop, the underpairs are 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, and 77.
Playing Underpairs as the Preflop Raiser
Playing as the preflop raiser comes with some perks. You will almost always have the range advantage, which will help you better realize the equity of your entire range, including the equity of your underpairs.
In short, you get to play more aggressively with all your hands, which includes your underpairs.
Let’s talk about them one by one:
- When you have raised from the Lojack through Button and the Big Blind calls.
- When you 3-bet from the Small Blind against the Button or the Cutoff.
Double Broadway Flops
On double broadway flops, you should adapt to whether there is a flush draw on the board or not.
When there is a flush draw possible, you should c-bet with your lowest pocket pairs that also have a backdoor flush draw.
For example, on a K♥ J♣ 6♥ flop, you will want to c-bet with 2♥ 2♣, 3♥ 3♦, 4♥ 4♠, and 5♥ 5♠ but not with 5♦ 5♣.
Single Broadway Flops
On single broadway flops, the same kind of rules apply, but to a lesser degree.
Low Flops
You should generally check back with underpairs on low boards.
Playing as the Preflop Raiser in 3-Bet Pots
Suppose a player raises from late position (Cutoff or Button), you 3-bet from the Small Blind, and the player calls.
As a result, you should always c-bet with your underpairs in these situations.
A Quick Test to See How Well You Understood This Article
Take a moment to consider each question, then reveal the answer when you’re ready. Assume you’re playing online and have no reads on your opponent.
Question 1: BTN vs BB Single Raised Pot: Flop is A♠ J♠ 7♣
Do you check or c-bet with 5♠ 5♣?
Question 2: BTN vs BB Single Raised Pot: Flop is K♥ 8♠ 6♣
Do you check or c-bet with 3♣ 3♦?
Question 3: BB vs BTN Single Raised Pot: Flop is K♦ T♦ 5♣
Do you check-call with 4♠ 4♥ against a 66% pot c-bet?
Question 4: BB vs BTN Single Raised Pot: Flop is J♣ T♣ 5♠:
Do you check-call with 3♣ 3♦ against 33% pot c-bet?
Question 5: SB vs BTN 3-Bet Pot: Flop is A♠ T♦ 8♣
Do you c-bet 33% pot or check with 6♦ 6♣?
Wrapping Up
If you’ve hit 5/5 then congrats, you’ve been paying attention! If not, make sure to read back and focus on that area! Playing underpairs is not very difficult once you understand the few key situations that take place.
That’s all for this article guys! I hope you enjoyed it and that you’re going to start applying this information right away! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Read this next to learn about playing another common hand class: 5 Strategic Mistakes to Avoid with Suited Connectors.
Till’ next time, good luck, grinders!
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