How to Play Pocket Threes in Poker

Introduction

This article covers everything from the basic understanding of pocket threes to detailed pre-flop and post-flop strategies. It provides insights on how to approach situations with pocket threes based on your position, the dynamics of the table, and the actions of your opponents. Whether you decide to call, raise, or fold, this guide offers valuable advice tailored for various scenarios, ensuring you make the most of your pocket three hands.

What are Pocket Threes

Pocket threes refer to getting two 3s as your hole cards. The strategy for playing pocket threes varies based on your position at the table and the actions of your opponents. When facing an unopened pot, it is advised to fold pocket threes from early positions but consider raising from the hijack position or later. Against a raise, calling with pocket threes is usually best from the big blind position, while folding from other positions might be wiser, taking into account the table dynamics and the aggressiveness of your opponents. Post-flop, your strategy with pocket threes depends on whether you raised or called pre-flop and the flop's texture.

Preflop play with Pocket Threes

• Against Unopened Pots:

Players must fold their pocket threes when the player is sitting between Under the Gun and Lojack. Players sitting at or after the hijack position should raise with their pocket threes. If players are seated on a table where their opponents don’t 3-bet preflop much, they can begin to raise from the early positions.

• Against a Raise:

Playing pocket threes against a raise also depends on the player's position on the table. Big Blind is the position from where players should call their pocket threes. It is better to fold hands from positions other than the big blind. 

• Against a 3-bet:

When facing a 3-bet preflop while holding pocket threes, it is generally better to fold, especially from most positions, due to the likelihood of being significantly behind your opponent's 3-betting range. However, carefully considering table dynamics, opponent tendencies, and your position can occasionally justify a call, particularly in scenarios where you have a deep stack or are in the big blind and receiving favourable pot odds. However, as a rule of thumb, pocket threes do not perform well against the strong ranges typically represented by 3-bets, so folding is often the wisest choice to minimize losses over time.

Pocket Threes Post Flop Strategy If you raised Preflop

• If you hold an Underpair:

If your Pocket threes is an underpair to the flop on the table, i.e., if all the cards in the flop are greater than 3, it is recommended to check back most of the time. Example: If you have raised a 3♥ 3♦ during preflop and the flop on the table opens to be 8♠ T♦ J♣ while sitting at the button position. Now, if the Big Blind checks, you should not be putting any more chips on the table and continue checking the board.

• If the flop completes a Three-of-A-Kind or a set:

So, for example, if you are raising with 3♥ 3♦ from the dealer button and the Big Blind calls, the flop gets opened as 7♣ J♠ 3♣. Now that you have got a Three-of-A-Kind, you should definitely bet, and this will toss all the bluff-catcher cards out of the game. Therefore, you should immediately start focusing on building the pot size.

• If the flop contains unmatched cards and there are chances of a Flush:

With a Pocket Threes like 3♥ 3♦ at hand, if a disconnected flop like K♠ 5♥ J♥ opens up where there is scope for a probable flush draw in turn and river rounds, it is always advisable to make a continuation bet or c-bet.

This situation of disconnected cards on the flop is most favourable for the button position because many overpairs are available to these low-value pocket threes in the game. If you are a player who C-bets frequently, then you might become successful in making those overpairs fold. In this case, if a set completes during the turn round, it will also reduce the chances of a probable flush draw by any other player on the table. 

Pocket Threes Post Flop Strategy if you called Preflop

• On medium and low paired flops:

If you find a medium to low paired flop on the table, in such situations, it is an excellent strategy to slightly raise after checking. It will push your opponents to fold hands that are better than yours. This move protects your hand's value and allows you to gain a bit from strong hands, like Ace-high, that decide to call. For example, on flops like 8-8-2, T-T-5 or 4-4-7, your Pocket Threes are at risk because nearly every other card is higher than yours. Hence, saving your stack is the top priority here.

• Call only once if you have an Underpair:

Unless otherwise, if you get a good draw on the turn round, you should not call a c-bet more than once with this low-value pair. 

• Against a c-bet:

With a low-value pair at hand, if you are sitting anywhere between Under the Gun and Cutoff, it is advisable to fold the hand unless certain conditions that favour calling a continuation bet occur, like the chances of a flush draw in turn and river rounds, a disconnected flop on the board or a small to medium-sized c-bet ranging anywhere between 35-50% of the pot size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pocket threes called?

Pocket threes are also referred to as Crabs. 

What should you do with pocket threes?

Pocket threes should be folded from all the positions except the Big Blind.

Should I always fold my pocket threes in an early position?

Generally, you should fold pocket threes from early positions but consider raising with them from the hijack position or later, adapting to the table dynamics and opponents' behaviours.

How should I play pocket threes in poker?

Play pocket threes cautiously, considering your table position and the actions of your opponents. Fold in early positions against unopened pots, raise from the hijack or later, call against a raise if in the big blind, and generally fold against a 3-bet unless the table dynamics and your stack size justify a call. Post-flop, adapt your strategy based on the flop texture and whether you raised or called pre-flop.

Conclusion

From folding in early positions to potentially raising in later ones, understanding when and how to engage with pocket threes is crucial. Post-flop play requires similarly wise decisions, whether you are facing underpairs, a set, or varied flop textures. Remember, maximising your potential winnings while minimizing losses is the ultimate goal. With practice and experience, pocket threes can be played effectively, striking the perfect balance between caution and aggression.