Advanced Identifying Myths about Small Pocket Pairs in Poker URL has been copied successfully! Blindly following the idea that small pocket pairs are always profitable can lead to mistakesSmall pocket pairs often create a lot of debate among poker players. While they can be powerful in the right situations, many common beliefs about these hands don’t hold up under scrutiny. Understanding the truth about small pairs like 2-2 through 6-6 can help players avoid costly mistakes. One common myth is that small pairs are always worth playing preflop. While it’s true they have the potential to become strong hands if they hit a set, the odds of flopping a set are only about 12%. If you’re calling large raises hoping to hit that rare outcome, it can be a losing strategy in the long run. Position, stack depth, and your opponent’s tendencies all matter when deciding whether to play them.Another misconception is that small pairs are “hidden monsters” and easy to get paid off with when they hit. While it’s true that a set can be tough to detect, the same could be said about many hands. Experienced opponents are often cautious when the board is coordinated or when you suddenly become aggressive. Plus, when you don’t hit a set, small pairs are vulnerable and rarely improve.There’s also the belief that small pairs are great for all-in situations, especially in tournaments. This depends on the stage of the tournament, your chip stack, and who’s left to act. Shoving with a small pair from early position into big stacks can be risky, while doing so from late position with short stacks behind might be more reasonable.Small pairs have value, but only when played with good judgment. Like any hand in poker, small pairs need to be evaluated in context. Understanding their real strengths—and weaknesses—can help you make smarter decisions at the table.