What is Set Mining in Poker?

Introduction

Set mining is similar to fishing in hopes of catching a bigger fish—in this case, winning big. You play with small pocket pairs like 5-5 or 8-8, hoping to hit a set—three-of-a-kind on the Flop. 

This is called Set Mining.  Now, how can you mine set?  Which cards or pairs can help you mine? Read further to get answers to all your questions.

Objective

The article aims to explain the nitty-gritty of Set mining in poker.

What is Set Mining?

To begin, let’s understand Set first. A set is when you have a pair of hole cards and get one more card of the same rank in the community cards. This gives you a three-of-a-kind.

Set mining involves playing with a small or medium pocket pair, anticipating hitting a set on the Flop (when the first three community cards are dealt). Set mining is a very strong hand; you can win a big pot with it.

Example of Set Mining:

• Your Hole cards: 9♦ 9♣
• The community cards: Q♠ 9♥ 4♣

You have hit 9s because the community card has a 9.

How to Set Mine in Poker?

Here’s a step-by-step process on how you can set mine in poker:

• Set with a pocket pair, it could be 6-6, 4-4, J-J, or any other pocket pair.
• Call a small bet to see the Flop. The idea is to spend small amounts.
• Look for a three-of-a-kind on the flop, and if you find another card matching your pair, you hit a set. You have 6-6, and the Flop has K-6-3. You have a set.
• Sets are strong; you can bet smartly and win a big pot.
• If the Flop doesn’t work in your favour, Fold.

The Math of Set-Mining and Implied Odds

Let’s say you are playing a $1/$2 game from a Big blind position with pocket 2s, and your opponent raises $10. Now, you must decide whether spending $8 to see the Flop is worth it.

The problem is that you only hit a set about 1 in 8 times, and the pot is $31 now, which means the direct pot odds are less than 3 to 1.

Now comes the implied odds: if your opponents have a strong hand, they will keep betting big amounts. This means you can win more money later.

To make a call $8 profitable, you must win 8x the calling amount, which is $64. Since both players have 300 chips, you can win enough money later.

Tips for Profitable Set Mining

Here are some tips for profitable mining:

Check if Raising or re-raising is Better

Before calling, sit down and consider whether raising will be profitable. If it is profitable, then Call. Passive callings are for situations when raising is not profitable. At the same time, aggressive plays are often profitable as they pressure others to Fold.

Ensure You Have Good Direct Odds

Direct odds compare the pot size with the bet you need to call. If the odds are unfavourable, you are paying too much for the chance to see the Flop. Here’s how you can calculate:

Let’s say the pot has 5.5 big blinds, and your opponent bets 4 big blinds. The odds here would be 5.5:4 = 1.4:1.

The odds are worse than the 2:1; you should avoid calling unless other factors are in your favour.

Look for Strong Implied Odds

Implied odds help you measure the potential reward after the Flop. The advisable ratio is 1:20; you will hit the set about 1 in 7.5 times and need an opportunity to win at least 20 times what you call to make it worthwhile.

To check implied odds, you can:

• Compare the call cost to the smallest stack. You have good implied odds if the call cost is less than 1/20th of that stack.
• Favour opponents who play tight will only raise if they have a strong hand. Or you can favour an aggressive player post-flop, as they will put more chips in the stack.

Consider Your Position

• In Position: You will act after your opponent if you are in position. You can see their actions before deciding, which makes it easier to control the pot and maximise value when you hit the set.
• Out Of Position: This makes it harder for you to decide and control your hand. Look for better odds before calling, such as 3:1.

Hands to Consider Mining With

You don’t always need a strong starting hand; you can also play hands with the potential to hit strong combinations on the Flop. Here are the hands you can consider mining with:

• Suited Connectors: Suited connectors help you make a straight or flush, giving you a good opportunity to win. 7♥6♥, 9♠7♠, or T♣8♣ are a few examples of suited connectors.
• Suited High Cards: Suited high cards hit a hidden two-pair or strong draw, but be cautious if you have a weak pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does set mining mean in poker?

Set mining is playing with a small or medium pocket pair in anticipation of getting a set in the Flop.

What are the odds for set mining?

The odds of getting a Set in the Flop is 7.5/1.

What is the 15-25-35 rule?

The 15 25 25 rule states that you should bet 15% on a weak hand, 25% on a moderate hand, and 35% on a strong hand.

Conclusion

Set Mining is a simple yet effective technique for winning big in poker. You need to understand the concept and practice to make it work.  Set mining also requires patience; you know there is no guarantee that you will hit a set on the Flop. The start is all about odds; you might not win every time, but when you win, you win big.