Pocket 9s is a middling hand, and one of the trickiest hands to play in both postflop and preflop action. Most people go for the same approach to pocket 9s, as they do for top pairs like Q-Q, K-K, and A-A like raising and betting. But remember, you’ll only flop a set around 12% of the time. Here is a guide to playing pocket 9s, and you can use this guide both in tournaments and cash games.
Playing pocket 9s in Preflop
Pocket nines may not be the best-starting hand you can get, but they certainly are strong enough to open the action with a raise from any position at the poker table. It’s important to never open the action by calling the big blind. Raising with pocket 9s from any unopened position is straightforward, but it can be tricky when you face a raise.
It’s not recommended to fold your pocket nines when facing a single raise. Instead, you must decide between calling the bet or 3-betting, which is based on your position. For instance, you should call a raise from early-position players, whereas you should be 3-bet when facing a raise from the cutoff or late-position players.
The main reason you shouldn’t be 3-bet against early-position players is that they usually play very tight hands. So, your 3-bet is unlikely to force them to fold. It would also put you in difficult situations, as they can 4-bet against you, forcing you to fold preflop.
Should You Raise, Call, or 3-bet in Postflop with Pocket Nines?
Whether to raise, call, or 3-bet in post-flop depends on the Flop cards. If you don’t hit a strong hand on the flop, 3-betting with a pair of pocket 9s – can backfire. As you don’t know about the strength of your opponent’s hands. Some players even 4-bet, putting you in folding situations.
Moreover, it also depends on the board texture and how board cards will affect your hand strength and range in comparison to your opponent’s range. Here are some board textures and guides to play them.
Low and Paired Boards
Low boards like 3-6-2 or paired boards like 4-4-2 are the best postflop cards you will always want with your Pocket 9s. These cards limit the number of stronger hands your opponent might have.
Consider taking a more aggressive approach on low and paired boards. Try betting more, and also remember to adjust your play upon turn and river cards.
High-Card Boards
High-card boards like A-J-Q, K-A-Q, and Q-T-A are the least postflop cards you will want while holding pocket 9s. These cards offer many possibilities for your opponent to have a stronger hand than your pair of nines.
It’s recommended to check and fold in situations like this, then call a raise or 3-betting.
Middling-Card Boards
10-4-7 and J-4-8 are much more favorable for pocket nines than high-card boards. With only one overcard, your pocket nines are less likely to be beaten.
You should try being aggressive with these flop cards and try to extract value from your opponent’s low pairs or high-card hands. If you were the preflop caller, be prepared to bet.
2 Postflop Tips for Pocket 9s
Be aware of straight and flush hands
The flop came out 5♡-6♡-4♡ and you hold 9♧-9♤, it can be tricky as your opponent may have a flush or straight draw, which can easily beat your pocket 9s. In situations like this, try C-betting. It can help you know your opponent’s hand strength. If they 4-bet, back out and fold your cards.
Be Aggressive After Hitting a Set
If you hit a set on the flop, then your aim would be to extract more value from your opponents. So be aggressive, and raise more often. This also depends on the board texture, you should only care about your chips when there is a straight draw or flush.
Keep following PokerProNews for the latest poker tips and strategy articles!
