Pocket Eights is one of the trickiest starting hands to play. With this hand, you can easily raise or 3-bet to show your dominance, but sometimes players face difficulties when they face re-raise or overcards post flop.
If you happen to be looking for strategies on how to effectively play this middling pair, then you have come to the right place. In this report, you will learn 6 strategies to play pocket 8s better than ever.
3 Pre-flop Strategies to Play Pocket Eights
1 – When you’re the only one to bet
Pocket 8s are a strong hand, falling top 6% of all starting hands. Therefore, you should always raise pre-flop whe you are the only one to bet, no matter which position you have. The decision to limp or not is up to you, but keep in mind that you won’t get the maximum value of your hand.
2 – When Someone Else Raise First
This is where your position matters a lot. Just calling the raise would do your job if you were in the Big Blind and on the Button. Big Blind players can also consider 3-betting small blind or button players.
Cash game players sitting at the small blind can consider 3-betting because of the high rake environments. However, be cautious about 3 betting against an early player (EP) because of their tight range of play. Only 3-bet pocket 8s from the small blind when facing an open raise from the cutoff or button, and fold against the EP.
In case you are in other positions, it can become a little trickier and other players might have a better hand than your pocket 8s. You will have 3 options: call, fold, or 3-bet.
3 – When Facing 4-Bet and 3-Bet
Calling is the best you can do in this situation. Pocket 8s has a 12% chance of hitting a set on the flop, so you can just call 3-betting and 4-betting. This hand is also strong enough to continue against a c-bet, but it depends on the board’s texture.
In case you 3-bet and face a 4-bet from Under the Gun and Hijack player, then it’s advisable to fold because of their tight play.
3 Post-flop Strategies to Play Pocket Eights
1 – Avoid playing High Card Boards
Flops consisting of K-10-A are high-card boards that completely diminish your hand strength, as players holding Q-J get a straight hand. You should avoid C-betting high card boards consisting of A-J-Q, K-A-Q, and Q-10-A. It’s recommended to check, and fold when facing a continuation bet.
Middling card boards consisting of 10-6-7, and 10-9-6 are best for C-bet and calling as you have a straight draw chance. Raise, and C-Betting in situations like this.
2 – Try to get more value after hitting a set
If you were the raiser in pre-flop and hit a set on the flop, do a continuation bet to extract more value from your opponent. Moreover, C Betting can also help in knowing your opponent’s hand strength. In case your opponent re-raises your c-bet, then just call.
3 – Say no to All-In With Pocket 8s
Many amateurs make the mistake of going all-in or calling an all-in after making a set. While a set is more powerful than one pair and two pair hands, it is vulnerable to being outdone by a flush or straight.
If you don’t have the best hand from the community cards, don’t go all-in; fold immediately if you think your hand could be beaten.
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