[johnf]

To settle a simmering dispute, can someone tell me how some situations compare.

What are the chances of a pocket mid-pair (say 77s) winning compared to suited connectors winning?

My understanding is that the chance of the pocket pair improving to trips or better, on the flop, is about 7.5 to 1, and that the chances of middle connecting cards flopping 2 to the straight is a little better, like 6:1. So I would guess that the chances of the suited connectors flopping EITHER a stgt or flush draw would be much better. On the other hand, the pocket pair is already a made hand.

This question comes from a dispute with a friend, who has decided that pocket pairs below 88s or 99s are never worth playing at a full table, though he will play any suited connectors from any position, and even play any suited one-gap hands.

If it makes any difference, I'm referring to a typical low-limit game, i.e., 2/4, relatively loose.

[chris]

in low limit hold 'em a pocket pair isn't a made hand 'til it flops trips and makes the full house on the turn or river...

people play ANY 2 CARDS in low limit hold 'em and they chase because they like to GAMBLE...

pocket pair vs 2 lower suited connectors is an 4:1 favorite

pocket pair vs 2 higher suited connectors is about 1:1

at a full table, the suited connectors would fair better because of the chances of makin the nuts

the most important idea u should take away from this post is POSITION don't play poor cards out of position