How to Play Pocket Eights in Poker Game

Introduction

Pocket eights (8♠ 8♦), also known as ‘snowmen’ due to the resemblance of the number 8 to two snowmen, is a versatile starting hand in Poker.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to play Pocket Eights.

What is Pocket Eights?

Pocket eights refer to a starting hand consisting of two eights: 8♠ 8♦, for example.

How to Play Pocket Eights in Poker Game

Here’s a thorough approach to playing pocket eights, focusing on both preflop and postflop tactics:

How to Play Preflop

Early Position (UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2):

Raise: Pocket eights are strong enough to raise from the early position. A standard raise size (2-3 times the big blind) is typically appropriate. This helps to build the pot and thin the field.

Fold: Consider folding if the table is particularly aggressive or if very tight players are left to act.

Middle Position:

Raise: Continue with a standard raise, as pocket eights can still be a strong hand in this position.

Call: You might consider calling if there’s a raise before you and you think the raiser is weak or unsure about their strength.

Late Position (Cutoff, Button):

Raise: Pocket eights are strong enough to raise from a late position. This is especially useful for stealing blinds or building a pot with potentially weaker hands.

Call: You can also call a raise if you’re in position and feel the initial raiser is likely to fold to a 3-bet or if you think you have good post-flop play potential.

Blinds:

Raise: If you are in the blinds and face a raise, calling or 3-betting depends on the size of the raise and your read on the opponent. Pocket eights can be strong enough to 3-bet but proceed cautiously if the opponent is likely to continue aggressively.

Fold: If the raise is large or you face multiple raises, it might be better to fold to avoid a difficult situation post-flop.

How to Play Postflop

Flop:

Hit a Set: If you hit a set (three of a kind) on the flop, you should generally be aggressive. Bet or raise to build the pot and protect your hand.

No Set: If the flop does not improve your hand (e.g., 2♠ 5♦ Q♣), you must evaluate the board and your opponent’s actions. You might continue with a small bet or call if the board is favourable (not many overcards or coordinated draws). If the board is unfavourable or if you face strong, consider folding.

Turn:

Set: If you have a set, continue to bet or raise. The turn is a good opportunity to build the pot further.

No Set: Reevaluate based on the turn card. If the board improves for draws or overcards appear, you might need to be cautious. Keep an eye on your opponent to determine whether he will likely have a stronger hand or if his betting pattern suggests he is strong.

River:

Set: If you have a set and the river card does not complete any obvious draws, you can usually bet for value or call if faced with a bet.

No Set: If the river card completes potential draws or provides a strong hand to your opponent, fold to a large bet. You might call if the board is still favourable and you get a good price.

How to Play Pocket Eights Against Different Bet Sizes

Here’s a more detailed look at how to handle pocket eights against different bet sizes:

Preflop Betting Sizes

• Standard Raise (2-3x Big Blind):

Action: A standard raise from the early or middle position is generally appropriate with pocket eights. You might also consider raising or calling from the late position if the table is passive.

Against a Call: If opponents call, you will face the flop with several players. Pocket eights can play well if you hit a set, but be cautious with overcards or if the flop is coordinated.

• Large Raise (4x Big Blind or More):

Action: A large raise may indicate strength. Pocket eights can be played profitably with a call if the raise is not excessively large and you are in position. If the raise is huge, you may prefer to fold or consider a 4-bet if you are deep-stacked and confident.

Against a Call: If opponents call a large raise, you must evaluate the flop carefully. Pocket eights can still be strong if you hit a set or the board is favourable.

• Min-Raise (1.5x Big Blind):

Action: A min-raise can be a sign of a wide range or a trap. Depending on your position and the players involved, you can raise for value or call with pocket eights.

Against a Call: If multiple players call a min-raise, pocket eights are in a decent spot to hit a set or play a post-flop strategy.

Postflop Betting Sizes

• Small Bet (25-40% of the Pot):

Action: Small bets can indicate a weak hand or a draw. If you hit a set or have a strong hand, you might want to raise it to protect your hand and build the pot. Depending on the board texture and your opponent's tendencies, a call or fold may be appropriate if you have just pocket eights.

Against a Call: If opponents call your small bet, evaluate the turn card carefully. Depending on the board's development, pocket eights can still be strong or weak.

• Half-Pot Bet (50% of the Pot):

Action: A half-pot bet can indicate a range of hands. If you have a set, continue betting or raising to build the pot. With just pocket eights, evaluate your position and the board texture before deciding to call or fold.

Against a Call: Assess the turn card if opponents call a half-pot bet. Pocket eights are still viable if the board doesn't significantly improve your opponent’s range.

• Large Bet (70-100% of the Pot):

Action: Large bets often signify strong hands or draws. If you have a set, continue with a raise or call, depending on the context. With only pocket eights, you must be cautious and evaluate whether your hand is still the best.

Against a Call: If facing a large bet with pocket eights, you should be wary of potential stronger hands or completed draws. Consider folding if the situation is unfavourable.

• Over-Bet (More than the Pot):

Action: An over-bet can indicate a very strong hand or a bluff. Depending on the action and your read on the opponent, you might want to call or raise with a set. With just pocket eights, you should be cautious and often fold if the bet is excessively large.

Against a Call: Be prepared for difficult decisions on later streets if you call an over-between. Pocket eights can be strong, but an over-bet usually means your opponent is confident in their hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play pocket eights preflop?

Preflop, pocket eights should generally be raised from most positions, especially in early and middle positions. You can also call a raise in a late position if you believe you can play effectively post-flop. Be cautious of large 3-bets - consider folding or calling if the 3-bet size is reasonable and stacks are deep.

How to handle pocket eights against a 3-bet?

Against a 3-bet, pocket eights can be called if the 3-bet is small and you are in a favourable position. However, with large 3-bets, it is often better to fold unless stacks are deep or you have a good read on the opponent.

What to do with pocket eights on a dry flop?

Pocket eights can be strong on a dry flop (e.g., 2♠ 5♦ 9♣). Bet or raise if you hit a set.

Conclusion

To play hands like pocket eights, you must balance patience with aggression. While they may not command the same immediate respect as high pairs, their potential shines through with careful post-flop play when the conditions are right. You can turn pocket eights into a profitable hand by recognizing the right moments to push forward or hold back.