Many times I have experienced playing bottom two pair. Back when I first began playing Holdem I would slow play this kind of hand like a complete neophyte. I got away with it a few times for some big pots and then all of the sudden I started getting burned over and over and over again. It was only after I had reviewed my hand histories and read a few books that I realized how poorly I was playing this hand.

Bottom two pair should never be a hand you get married to and certainly not one worthy of going broke with. Even in a cash game playing bottom two pair can get you in a heep of trouble. Having said all that it is inevitable that you will hit this hand from time to time. Most often I tend to hit this hand while in the blinds. Here is my take on how to handle bottom two pair from any situation.

1. First and foremost I flat refuse to go broke with this hand in a tournament or cash game format. It just is not strong enough to withstand any serious pressure after you bet out.

2. The hand is extremely vulnerable when your opponent has top pair so you want to play the hand aggressively. I do not want my opponent to see another card after the flop so I am going to bet out hard holding this hand.

3. Despite holding a decent hand I still may be beat no matter what position I am playing it from. Again, I need to know where I am at in the hand and if I get some serious pressure be willing to fold the hand with minimal damage to my stack.

No, I do not encourage flaunting this hand with slow plays trying to milk the pot. This is a hit and run type of hand in a cash game or tournament format. Make your move and get outta there!

Sure, there are exceptions to every rule but you need to know where you’re at and with whom you are playing with. So when playing bottom two pair proceed with extreme caution.