Most players think that they need pocket aces, pocket kings, pocket queens, and pocket jacks to make all their money in limit poker. When if fact the hands that I love and make the most money from are suited connectors like QJs or small pairs. Yes I know preflop these hands are dominated by the hands listed above. But, there are a few reasons why the suited connectors and small pairs are big money makers.

Suited connectors with big cards:

1. Its a hand with many possibilities. You have chances of a flush, straight, two pair, trips, top pair with a decent kicker with hands like QJs.

2. Plus its an hand to easily get away from with a flop of rags and no flush opportunities.

3. The premium hands are harder to get away from and well most of the time people play them too aggressive post flop when there is a good chance they are beat.

4. The suited connectors are great multi-way action hands where you EV increases with each play in the pot.

Small pairs:

1. Once again these hands are easy to get away from. Too many players overvalue small pairs but you shouldn't as a Poker Noise member.

2. Look to hit your trips and be aggressive when you do hit your set.

3. If you miss the flop then its an easy fold.

4. The premium hands have really no room for improvement. Only two cards can improve them and give you a set. The difference is the small pairs you can fold much easier than pocket aces, etc. Aces you will go with to the river as you should but its hard to tell when you are beat.

So when you get mad that you aren't picking up some premium hands then just remember that suited connectors and small pairs can turn into a profitable session.



About the author:

Dustin Burkert is a professional poker player and a current tutor for www.pokernoise.com. Poker Noise provides poker coaching for the average player looking to improve their game.