How to play small pocket pairs (22–66)

Small pocket pairs (2-2 to 6-6) are ahead of two unpaired cards before the flop, but they rarely stay ahead after it: most flops bring overcards. Their main value is flopping a set (about one time in 8.5), so play them cheaply with deep stacks, and more aggressively when stacks are short in tournaments.

How strong are small pairs?

5-5 against	5-5 wins about
A-K offsuit	55%
K-Q offsuit	54%
9-9	18%
A random hand	60%

So they’re slight favourites against two overcards, but big underdogs against a higher pair.

Cash games (deep stacks)

Open-raise from middle and late position; often fold from early position at a full table.
Call raises to set mine when stacks are deep (about 15–20× the call left).
Fold to 3-bets in most cases.

Tournaments

With 15–25 big blinds, small pairs are often good all-in hands, especially from late position. See push/fold.
Calling an all-in with 2-2 is usually a coin flip at best; be careful near the bubble.

After the flop

Set: build the pot. See value betting.
No set, overcards on board: usually check and fold to bets.
Low board (for example 8-3-2 with 5-5): you may be ahead; a small bet or check-call can work against one opponent.

See also starting hands and the poker odds cheat sheet.

FAQ

Are small pocket pairs good hands?

They’re playable, mainly to flop a set cheaply, but they rarely win big pots without improving.

Should you call a raise with 2-2?

With deep stacks, often yes to set mine. Against a 3-bet, usually fold.

Should you go all-in with small pairs in tournaments?

With about 15–25 big blinds from late position, often yes.

What do you do with a small pair when overcards flop?

Usually check and fold to a bet.