How To Play Pocket Sixes In Poker Game

So, you have been dealt a pair of sixes.

What to do next?

Pocket sixes are a pair of low value but can still be strong if you hit a set (three of a kind) on the flop. They are generally played cautiously, especially in early positions, but can be more aggressive from later positions or in a favourable spot.

This guide on playing pocket Sixes will help you make the most of them at the game table.

What are Pocket Sixes?

In Poker, ‘pocket sixes’ refers to a starting hand where a player is dealt two sixes as their hole cards.

How to Play Pocket Sixes in Poker Game

If Playing from the Early Position (UTG, UTG+1, etc.)

Before the Flop:

Raise: Pocket sixes are a small pair, but in an early position, you should raise to build the pot and protect your hand from overcards that could come on the flop.

Standard Raise Size: A raise of about 2.5x to 3x the size of the big blind is typical.

After the Flop:

If Flop is Favorable (e.g., 6♠ 3♦ 2♣): If you hit a set (three of a kind), you should continue to bet for value. The texture of the board will determine your bet size. A standard bet is sufficient; on wet boards, consider a larger bet to protect your hand.

If Flop is Unfavorable (e.g., K♦ 9♠ 7♣): You must evaluate the situation if you miss the set. If there are many high cards or the board is connected, you can fold to aggression or check-fold if faced with a substantial bet.

If Playing from the Middle Position (MP)

Before the Flop:

Raise or Call: In the middle position, you have more flexibility. A raise is still a good option to protect against limpers and to build the pot if you hit a set. Alternatively, calling a raise might be appropriate if the action is more aggressive behind you.

Standard Raise Size: Similar to the early position, raise the height to about 2.5x to 3x the big blind.

After the Flop:

If Flop is Favorable: If you hit a set, continue betting for value. The middle position often means you are against players with a wider range, so protect your hand with appropriate bet sizing.

If Flop is Unfavorable: If you miss, consider your opponent's range and happenings on the board. If the board is highly connected or has overcards, be cautious and consider folding to significant aggression.

If Playing from a Late Position (Cutoff, Button)

Before the Flop:

Raise or Call: You can be more aggressive from the late position. Raising to build the pot or to steal the blinds is viable. You can also call a raise, especially if you have post-flop advantages.

Standard Raise Size: Raise to 2.5x to 3x the big blind. If calling, ensure you have a position on your opponents and can play post-flop effectively.

After the Flop:

If Flop is Favorable: If you hit a set, you should lead out for value or raise if facing a bet. Late position often means you have better control over the pot size and can extract value more effectively.

If Flop is Unfavorable: Evaluate the board texture and opponent’s tendencies. If the board is very high or coordinated, you might need to fold to aggression. Otherwise, consider a check call to control the pot size and re-evaluate the turn.

If Playing from Blinds (Small Blind, Big Blind)

Before the Flop:

Small Blind: Call or raise depending on the action. Raising can be aggressive but can also put you in tough spots post-flop. Calling can lead to difficult decisions out of position.

Big Blind: If the raise is small, you can call a raise or defend with a call. Re-raising is possible but should be done with caution.

After the Flop:

If Flop is Favorable: You should bet or check-raise to extract value if you hit a set. Being out of position, you need to be cautious and maximize value.

If Flop is Unfavorable: Analyze your opponent’s range and bet sizing. Being out of position can make post-flop play challenging, so fold to significant aggression unless you have a good read or plan to bluff.

How to Play Pocket Sixes Against Different Bet Sizes

Against a 3-Bet

From Early Position:

Fold: Pocket sixes are a small pocket pair, and facing a 3-bet from an early position usually indicates a strong range. Given the potential for post-flop difficulties and the risk of running into a higher pair, folding is often the best play.

From Middle Position:

Call: Call can be an option if you have a deep stack and the 3-bet sizing is reasonable (e.g., 3x to 4x the original raise). You will be looking to set mine (hit a set) and need to check implied odds.

Fold: Folding can be prudent if the 3-bet is large (e.g., more than 4x the original raise) or if you are facing aggressive opponents.

From Late Position:

Call: In the late position, you might call a 3-bet if you have a position on the 3-bettor and can use post-flop play to your advantage. Ensure you have the right pot odds and implied odds.

Fold: If the 3-bet size is large or the opponent is very aggressive, folding might be the best play.

From the Blinds:

Call or Fold: In the small blind, calling can be viable if you have a deep stack and can play post-flop well. In the big blind, you can call or fold depending on the size of the 3-bet and your opponent's tendencies. Be cautious of committing too much.

Against a 4-Bet

From Early Position:

Fold: Pocket sixes generally cannot compete well against a 4-bet range. Folding is the best option unless you have a specific read on the opponent that suggests they might be 4-betting light.

From Middle Position:

Fold: A 4-bet from the middle position typically represents a strong range. Pocket sixes are unlikely to be profitable in this situation, so folding is usually the correct play.

From Late Position:

Fold: A 4-bet indicates a strong hand, even from the late position. Pocket sixes are not strong enough to call a 4-bet profitably, so folding is advised unless you have a compelling reason to believe the opponent is 4-betting with a wider range.

From the Blinds:

Fold: If you are in the small or big blind and face a 4-bet, it is best to fold pocket sixes. The reverse implied odds, and the strength of a 4-bet range make calling or shoving with pocket sixes unadvisable.

Against C-Bets (Continuation Bets):

If Flop is Favorable (e.g., 6♠ 3♦ 2♣): If you have hit a set, you should raise or call the continuation bet to build the pot or extract value.

Flop is Unfavorable: If you miss the flop, you can either fold to the bet or consider a call if you have a good read on the opponent or if the board is somewhat favourable for a potential bluff.

Against Check-Raises:

If Flop is Favorable: If you hit a set, a check-raise can be a powerful move to build the pot and protect your hand.

If Flop is Unfavorable: If you miss, check-folding is usually the best strategy unless you have a specific reason to believe you can turn the hand into a bluff.

Against Overbets:

If Flop is Favorable: If you have hit a set and face an overbet, you should generally call or raise to maximize value and protect your hand.

If Flop is Unfavorable: If you miss, fold to an overbet, as the risk outweighs the potential reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play pocket sixes from the early position?

Raise the size from 2.5x to 3x the big blind. This helps protect your hand and build the pot. Fold to a 3-bet unless you have a deep stack and a specific read suggesting the opponent might be bluffing.

How to play pocket sixes if you face a 3-bet?

In early and middle positions, fold to a 3-bet as pocket sixes are weak against strong ranges. Calling is an option in late position if the 3-bet size is reasonable and you have a positional advantage.

How to react to an overbet with pocket sixes?

If you have hit a set, you can call or raise based on the situation on the board. If you miss the flop, fold to an overbet, which usually indicates a strong hand.

Conclusion

Success with Pocket Sixes depends on your ability to effectively deal with pre-flop raises and post-flop play. Being careful and adapting to your position and stack size is important when confronting 3-bets or 4-bets. Once you master these factors, pocket sixes can become a lucrative element of your Poker strategy.