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How the professionals would play 'FISH HOOKS'

If you don't handle them carefully, these 'fish hooks' will have your eye out. With the deck running cold and you find yourself with wired jacks, this can seem as catch of the day. These cards are extremely flop sensitive because if any queen, king or ace appear on the board, many players will drop J-J without any hesitation.

With most pocket pairs, the fewer players in the pot the better. With Jacks, this is even more important. You want weaker but potentially more dangerous cards such as KQ to fold. Betting as much as 5 or 6 times the big blind should do this.

Ok, so you have eliminated potentially dangerous cards pre flop but with still 1 or 2 callers in, what happens when the board shows a queen, king or ace? Unless you know you are playing aganst a player known to be loose, you really have to presume that these 'scare cards' have hit for your opponents. However, if you are not sure, fear aces more than any other overcards. Why? Because players tend to see more flops with Aces, even with a weak kicker, where as kings and queens will go in the trash.

The concept of betting for information is important with pocket Jacks. If you are in late position and other players have checked it to you, make a bet to gain a read on who has what. If somebody re-raises you, its time to throw your hand to the muck. If they only call you, at this point you probably have them beat. Otherwise, check from early position and fold to solid bets.

Statistical reasons why NOT to get over excited with J-J

Probability of J-J making staying at 1 pair when combined with table cards: 35.42%

Making 2 pair: 39.52%

Making three of a kind: 11.73%

Making a straight: 1.97%

Making a full house: 8.55%

Making a flush: 1.95%

Making four of a kind: 0.84%

Making a straight flush: 0.01% and a Royal flush 0.01%

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