How to Play Nine-Seven Suited in Poker

Introduction

Nine-Seven Suited (97s) holds hidden potential that can lead to big profits in cash games. This hand is versatile and can create unexpected opportunities when played with the right strategy.

Here’s everything you need to know how to play Nine Seven Suited in Poker.

What is Nine-Seven Suited?

A ‘Nine-Seven Suited’ hand is when you are dealt a nine and seven of matching suits, such as the 9♠ and 7♠, or the 9♥ and 7♥.

Objective

The aim of playing Nine-Seven Suited is to create powerful hands capable of winning large pots, catching opponents off guard.

How to Play Nine Seven Suited in Cash Games

Preflop

Early Position (EP):

Playing 97s from an early position is generally not recommended. The hand is not strong enough to justify playing from a position where you will be out of position for the remainder of the hand. Folding is usually the best option.

Example: You are under the gun (UTG) with 97s.

Action: Fold. Playing speculative hands from an early position can lead to difficult decisions postflop, especially against multiple opponents.

Middle Position (MP):

In the middle position, 97s can be played more flexibly.  If the table is not responding and you are confident in your postflop skills, raising can be advantageous. By increasing the pot size and taking control of the hand, you may come out on top.

Example: You are in the middle position with 97s and the action folds to you.

Action: By raising to 3 times the big blind, you can assert dominance over the pot and potentially put players in later positions on the spot. This bold move may help dictate play and ultimately compel opponents to make tough choices.

Late Position (LP):

The late position is where 97s shines. You have more information about the actions of other players, and you can play the hand more aggressively.

Example: You are on the button with 97s, and the action folds to you.

Action: Raise to 2.5x or 3x the big blind. This puts pressure on the blinds and gives you a good chance to steal the pot or play post-flop in position.

Blinds (SB/BB):

Playing 97s from the blinds depends on the action in front of you. If there are multiple raises, folding is typically best. However, if you’re facing a single raise or limp, calling or occasionally raising can be profitable.

Example: You are in the big blind with 97s, and the button raises to 3x the big blind.

Action: Call. You are getting good pot odds to see a flop and can potentially outplay your opponent post flop.

Postflop

Flopping a Draw:

When you flop a draw (straight or flush), you should play it aggressively in most situations, especially if you have a position.

Example:

Flop: 6♠ 8♠ 2♦

Your Hand: 9♠ 7♠

Action: You have an open-ended straight flush draw. Bet or raise to build the pot and put pressure on your opponent.

Flopping Top Pair or Middle Pair

With a top pair or middle pair, your approach should be more cautious. Evaluate the board texture and your opponents’ tendencies before deciding to bet or check.

Example:

Flop: 9♣ 5♦ 3♥

Your Hand: 9♠ 7♠

Action: Bet for value and protection. You have a top pair with a decent kicker, but be prepared to fold to significant aggression.

Flopping a Monster:

When you flop a monster, such as trips or two pairs, you should aim to extract maximum value from your opponents.

Example:

Flop: 9♦ 7♣ h 2♠

Your Hand: 9♠ 7♠

Action: Bet or raise to build the pot. You have two pairs and should look to get value from worse hands.

Missing the Flop:

If you miss the flop entirely, decide whether to continue based on your position, opponents, and the action.

Example:

Flop: K♣ J♦ 4♠

Your Hand: 9♠ 7♠

Action: Check and fold to any bet. The board is unfavourable, and your hand has little equity.

Play Nine Seven Suited Against Different Player Types

Here's how you should play this hand against different player types:

Against Tight-Aggressive (TAG) Players

Selective starting hands and aggressive play are trademarks of TAG players. To counter their strategy, one must exhibit caution and carefully choose the opportune moments to engage in a pot with them.

Preflop Strategy:

Example: You are in the middle position with 97s, and a TAG player in an early position raises to 3x the big blind.

Action: Fold. The TAG player’s range is likely strong, and 97s do not play well against it.

Postflop Strategy:

Example: You are on the button with 97s, and a TAG player in the big blind calls your preflop raise. The flop comes 8♦ 6♠ 2♣.

Action: Bet. You have a gutshot straight draw, and the TAG player may fold to your continuation bet if they missed the flop.

Against Loose-Aggressive (LAG) Players

LAG players play many hands aggressively, making them difficult to read and prone to mistakes. Against LAG players, you can exploit their aggression by calling more preflop and trapping post flop.

Preflop Strategy:

Example: You are in the big blind with 97s, and a LAG player on the button raises to 2.5x the big blind.

Action: Call. You have a hand that can make strong post-flop hands, and the LAG player will often have a wide range.

Postflop Strategy:

Example: You call the LAG player’s raise from the big blind. The flop comes 9♠ 7♠ 3♦.

Action: Check-raise. You have the top two pairs, and the LAG player may bet with a wide range, allowing you to extract value by raising.

Against Tight-Passive (TP) Players

TP players are cautious and call more often than they bet or raise. Against these players, you can bluff more frequently and value bet aggressively.

Preflop Strategy:

Example: You are on the button with 97s, and a TP player limps in the middle position.

Action: Raise to 3x the big blind. This will allow you to take control of the pot and isolate the TP player.

Postflop Strategy:

Example: You raise preflop, and the TP player calls. The flop comes 9♣ 5♦ 2♠.

Action: Bet. You have a a top pair, and the TP player will likely call with weaker hands.

Against Loose-Passive (LP) Players

LP players play many hands but rarely raise. They are often willing to call down with weak hands. Against LP players, focus on value betting when you have a strong hand and avoid bluffing.

Preflop Strategy:

Example: You are in the cutoff with 97s, and an LP player limps in an early position.

Action: Raise to 3x the big blind. Isolate the LP player and take control of the hand.

Postflop Strategy:

Example: You raise preflop, and the LP player calls. The flop comes 10♦ 9♠ 4♣.

Action: Bet for value. The LP player may call with weaker pairs or draws.

Against Maniacs

Maniacs are highly aggressive and unpredictable, often betting and raising with a wide range of hands. Patience and trapping are key strategies against maniacs.

Preflop Strategy:

Example: You are in the big blind with 97s, and a maniac on the button raises to 3x the big blind.

Action: Call. If you hit a strong hand, you can see a flop and potentially trap the maniac.

Postflop Strategy:

Example: You call the maniac’s raise from the big blind. The flop comes 7♠ 6♠ 2♦.

Action: Check-call. The maniac is likely to continue betting, and you can call with a middle pair and a backdoor straight draw.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you fold Nine-Seven Suited preflop?

Fold 97s preflop from early positions due to the unfavorable position and the hand’s limited strength. Additionally, if facing multiple raises, folding is the safest option to avoid tricky postflop scenarios.

How do you play 97s against a Tight-Aggressive (TAG) player?

Against TAG players, be cautious. Avoid calling their raises with 97s preflop. Postflop, bet or raise if you have a strong draw or made hand to put pressure on their typically strong but narrow range.

How to play 97s post flop if you hit a draw?

Play draws aggressively with 97s. Bet or raise with straight or flush draws to build the pot and apply pressure. This can also set up potential bluffs if your draw misses, leveraging your aggressive image.

What is the best way to maximize value with 97s?

Maximize value by playing 97s in late position and against weaker players. Raise preflop to isolate opponents and leverage positional advantage post flop. Extract value by betting when you hit strong hands or draw on a favourable board.

Conclusion

You can make 97s a profitable part of your cash game strategy by honing your skills and learning to read the table. What matters the most is to find the right balance of assertiveness and carefulness while staying ahead of your competitors. With continuous practice, you will gradually transform this initially unremarkable hand into one that brings victories.