QQ & JJ in NL Ring

[Kurab]

First I want to say thanks to Iceman for putting togeather this forum - I have gotten tired of the BS at UPF and really would like to take advantage of your knowledge.

My question is how to play JJ / QQ from EP and MP.

I have been testing different ways - either limping and playing Set or Forget - although thats varaible depending on the table.

The issue I see is so many timmes even with a raise you can not drive out enough players in the lower limits (.25/.50 and .50/1 on UB) and when overcards come I am very leary to push the hand further.

I know that there is no "right" way but am interested in hearing what others say.

Thanks[/code]

[iceman5]

Youre right, this is one of the it depends situations.
I do limp quite a bit though. You can win a decent pot when the flop is something like [7s][5c] and someone he [Td].
Also, if you hit a set its gold of course.

[Mad Genius]

I like to play my Jacks aggressively PF, then play them cautiously post-flop. If you raise a sizable amount (4xBB or more), you are usually gonna be able to narrow down the playing field to one or two opponents. Your Jacks will almost never be dominated by your opponents' hands, since they would likely re-raise with QQ-AA. A lot of people call raises with hands like 88, AT, KJs, etc. At worst you are a 50-50 if your opponent has AK, AQ, or KQ. Since you are the PF aggressor you will almost always get a chance to bet the flop where you can expect to take it down more often than not. If an ace flops, I play it a bit more cautiously - if all rags come I usually bet pot. If my opponent shows any strength on the flop then I usually like to slow down and go to showdown as cheaply as possible.

[Danhdan]

I used to bet JJ aggressively, but now, I usually play them as a limping hand. I have noticed that sets are strong, but if I catch a good board of A J x, I can usually take down an enormous pot from somone who thinks their Ace and kicker is good. I think JJ, TT, 99, and 88 play virtually the same way when the ace hits the flop...

Plus, I would rather not show that much weakness if I have to lay down my JJ to a flop reraise or checkraise...the image seems to last longer with you if they know they can get you off a raising hand, and I think it is one thing even the most unobservant of poker players observes...always something you can use to your advantage, but it mkaes it hard to take down a couple cheap pots you don't want showdowns with.

[Stelvask]

[Kurab]