Understanding how to play premium pairs in poker tournaments is one of the most important elements of progressing to the latter stages.
AA, KK, and QQ are the best three pre-flop starting hands to have in Texas Hold’em, giving you a big advantage over your opponents before the flop hits.
However, unless you learn how to play these hands correctly there is no guarantee that you will consistently make them pay in tournaments.
The top poker professionals know the importance of extracting value from premium pairs, and this is a skill every player should have in their arsenal.
With that in mind, let’s look at how at the best ways to play premium pairs to boost your chances of becoming a regular winner in poker tournaments.
Playing Premium Pairs Pre-Flop
You’ve been dealt AA, KK and QQ pre-flop – this is undoubtedly good news, although you must not make the mistake of assuming you will scoop the pot.
While the odds are statistically in your favor, it is essential to maneuver yourself into a position where you hammer home your advantage.
Eliminating players who attempt to limp into the pot is crucial. A pre-flop bet of three or four times the big blind is generally enough to whittle down the competition.
Ideally, you are aiming to establish a situation with just two players in the hand, thus minimizing the chances of limpers getting lucky on the flop.
Playing Premium Pairs Post-Flop
Generally speaking, if you have a premium pair you should bet or raise on the flop to prevent players with draws or outs staying in the hand.
However, if you fail to improve your premium pair on the flop and get action, it potentially indicates your opponent has a strong hand, particularly if there is an overcard.
This may be accentuated if the board has paired or if three cards of the same suit have hit, situations which may give other players a set, quads, or a flush.
If there is plenty of action on the turn and river, your premium pair may no longer be in front and it is probably time to cut your losses and fold.
Avoiding Mistakes with Premium Pairs
One of the biggest mistakes players make with premium pairs is slow playing, with the risks involved making this a hugely questionable tactic.
You should always raise pre-flop with a premium pair, regardless of your position. Every player may fold, but this is better than getting tangled up with dodgy hands such as A3 suited.
There are only a handful of occasions where it is advisable to slow play premium pairs, especially against loose players you know you can trap.
However, this tactic should be used very sparingly, particularly during the late stages of tournaments where you will be facing better players.
