How to Play Pocket Four in Poker Game

Pocket fours, or 4-4, are a classic example of a small pocket pair in Poker. While they are not as strong as big pocket pairs like A-A or K-K, knowing how to play pocket fours correctly can make a major difference in your game.

This article will help you learn how to make the most of Pocket Fours Poker's hand.

Let’s begin!

What is Pocket Fours?

In poker, ‘Pocket Fours’ refers to a starting hand consisting of two cards, both of which are fours (4♠ 4♦, for example). It is a mid-range pair that can be strong if you hit a set (three of a kind) on the flop, but it is generally considered a lower-value hand compared to higher pairs or strong-suited connectors.

How to Play Poker Fours in Poker Game

Here’s how to approach the hand in each round of betting:

Preflop

Early Position (UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2): 

Open Raise: Raise to around 2.5 to 3x the big blind. Pocket fours are a small pair, so while you want to build the pot, you don't want to risk too much with them, especially from early positions.

Calling Raises: If there is a raise in front of you, it depends on the raiser's tendencies. If the raise is from a tight player, you might consider folding. If it is from a loser player, you can call and see a flop, particularly if you are getting good implied odds.

Middle Position (MP1, MP2, MP3):

Open Raise: Similar to the early position, raise to 2.5 to 3x the big blind. In the middle position, you are less likely to face a wide range of hands behind you, so it's generally safer to raise.

Calling Raises: You can call a raise from a looser player, but be cautious if facing a significant raise. Consider your stack size and position.

Late Position (Hijack, Cutoff, Button):

Open Raise: You can raise to 2 to 2.5x the big blind, as there is less chance of a re-raise from players behind you. This position allows for more flexibility with small pairs.

Calling Raises: If someone raises before you, you can call, especially if you're getting good odds to set mine. Be mindful of the raiser's position and style of play.

Blinds (Small Blind, Big Blind):

Open Raise: From the small blind, you can raise to 2.5 to 3x the big blind. From the big blind, you may call or raise depending on the situation and how much has been raised before you.

Calling Raises: If you are in the small blind and facing a raise, you can call if the raise is small, particularly if you are getting favourable odds. In the big blind, you can defend with a call if the raise is reasonable.

Postflop

Flop

Set Mining: Your primary goal with pocket fours is to hit a set (three of a kind). If you don’t hit a set, the playability of your hand is limited.

Hitting a Set: If you hit a set on the flop, you should look to build the pot. You can bet or raise to extract value from worse hands and protect against overcards.

Missed Set: A continuation bet might be appropriate if the board is dry (few draws). If the board is coordinated, you can check and evaluate further based on your opponent's action.

Turn

Hitting a Set: Continue to bet or raise to extract value. Be cautious if the board develops in a way that could make your set less valuable (e.g., potential straights or flushes).

Missed Set: If the turn card changes the situation (e.g., completes a draw), you might need to fold if faced with aggression.

River

Hitting a Set: You should look to get value from worse hands or bluffs by the river. Be mindful of the board texture and your opponent's potential range.

Missed Set: If you have not hit your set, and the board is now heavily connected, it is often best to fold if you face significant aggression.

How to Play Pocket Fours Against Different Player Types

Here are the strategies tailored to different player types:

Tight Passive

Preflop:

Tight passive players are generally cautious and avoid raising without strong hands. If they do raise, it is often a sign they have a premium hand, so you should fold unless you are in a position where you can call the raise cheaply.

When You are in Position: If you are in a later position and they fold to you, you can raise to attempt to steal the blinds or call to see a flop. Since they are unlikely to re-raise aggressively, you can take a more relaxed approach if they only call your raise.

Postflop:

These players will often check or call rather than make aggressive bets. If you hit a set or a strong hand, bet for value to extract as much as possible, as they may call with weaker hands.

When You Miss the Set: If you do not improve your hand on the flop, proceed with caution. It is important to avoid committing too many chips if the board does not help you and they start showing strength.

Loose Passive

Preflop:

Loose passive players tend to call raises and play many hands passively. You can raise to isolate them or call if you are in a favourable position with pocket fours to see the flop. Their wide range of hands means they might call with weaker holdings.

When You are in Position: If you are in a late position and they have limped in, raising to build the pot or calling to see a flop can be effective. These players are less likely to re-raise, making it easier to play post-flop against them.

Postflop:

If you hit a set, you should continue betting. They may not fold even if they have a marginal hand.

When You Miss the Set: If you miss, you can try to bluff if the board presents a favourable opportunity and they show weakness. However, be cautious as they may call with a wide range of hands.

Tight Aggressive (TAG)

Preflop:

TAG players are selective but aggressive, raising with strong hands and folding otherwise. If they raise, they likely have a strong hand, so it is important to fold pocket fours unless you have a good read or position to call. You can raise in position to apply pressure and potentially force them to fold weaker hands.

When You are in Position: If they call your raise, be prepared for aggressive play post-flop. They are unlikely to call with weak hands, so a strong flop can be crucial.

Postflop:

If you hit a set or a strong hand, bet and raise strategically.

When You Miss the Set: TAG players will be aggressive and selective if you miss the set. It is wise to play conservatively and avoid getting into big pots without a strong hand. Pay close attention to their betting patterns, as they often indicate whether they have a strong hand.

Loose Aggressive (LAG)

Preflop:

LAG players are very aggressive and raise or re-raise frequently with a wide range of hands. You can call or re-raise depending on your position and the action before you. Re-raising can be effective if you think you can outplay them post-flop.

When You are in Position: If you are in a good position and they are being aggressive, you can call to see a flop and try to hit a set. Be ready for continued aggression post-flop.

Postflop:

If you have a strong hand, you can let them bet into you and potentially build the pot. They may bluff frequently, so be prepared to call down with strong hands.

When You Miss the Set: LAG players will likely pressure you with aggressive bets if you miss the set. Depending on the board texture and your read on their likely hand range, you must decide whether to fold or bluff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play Pocket Fours from the early position?

From the early position, Pocket Fours is typically a weak hand. It is often best to fold or call a raise rather than raising the bet yourself.

What if you hit a set with Pocket Fours on the flop?

If you hit a set, play aggressively to build the pot. You can make larger bets and raises to extract value from your opponents.

How to play Pocket Fours against aggressive players?

Against aggressive players, consider calling or raising to isolate them. If you hit a set, bet for value and be cautious of their potential traps.

Conclusion

Pocket fours might not have the glamour of high pocket pairs, but they offer unique opportunities to skilled players. Remember - the key to leveraging pocket fours lies in understanding their potential and applying the right strategies at each stage of the hand.