Two pairs:

If you have two top pairs or two pairs with a top one, and there have been raises on the pre-flop, play this hand as if you have a set. If you have two low pairs, play aggressively only if your opponents are quite passive. If you see aggressive play, the best idea is to just call the re-raise and then see how your opponent plays the next few moves. If the pot is not raised, two low pairs are not stronger than a top pair with an ace as a kicker. So, don’t play aggressively in a situation like that.

Top pair:

The best idea is to get the bank on the flop when you have a top pair. If you have a top pair, an ace as a kicker and the pot has been raised, you should attack on the flop with a bet of 3/4 the size of the bank. You should re-raise if there has been a raise. Don’t just call with a hand like this. It won’t allow you to find out how strong your contender’s hand is.

Fold with a top pair and an ace kicker if the contender re-raises after your raise. You should go all-in with a hand like this on the flop in some situations, but you’ll figure that out as you gain experience. Contenders in a micro limit game often make the minimum possible re-raise. This type of re-raise is called flat. This often indicates a poor game. If you face a flat, re-raise call it because it often gives good pot odds. Call flat re-raise with a top pair and an ace kicker if you are in a good position and then see the actions of your opponent on the turn.

If you have a top pair and a medium kicker, for instance: you have JQ and Q-5-6 are on the table, don’t re-raise if you see your opponent attacking. Call on the flop and see how your opponent plays on the turn. If there have been no bets before you, try to win the pot in one fell swoop. Medium pairs and weaker combinations.

Check-fold or call small bets not only if you have a medium pair, but also a runner-flush (three cards of the same suit) or a gut-shot straight. Strong draws.

Flush-draw and open-ended straight-draw:

In comparison to long tables, in short-handed games you will rarely hit flushes or straights with a multi-pot simply by calling your contenders’ bets. In most cases, you will play against one or two contenders. It is not very profitable to call bets in situations like this. Attack or re-raise the contender’s bet on the flop. You may either win the pot on the flop or improve your hand if somebody calls your bet since you have many outs. If the opponent is aggressive and not very strong, you may just call his bets with the open-ended straight. A straight is not an obvious combination and it may pay off well. You should remember that a high-grade open-ended straight is when both pocket cards form this straight. For instance: you have 46 and 5-7-Q on the board. When the open-ended straight is formed by one of the pocket cards, try to win the pot with half a bluff when you are in a good position. Pay close attention to how much your opponents are betting. If you hit the straight, it can be easily read and you will win very little.

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