How to Play Seven-Six Suited in Cash Games

Introduction

Regarding cash games, one of the most versatile hands you can be dealt is 7-6 suited. This Poker hand, while not inherently powerful pre-flop, has the potential to transform into a wide array of strong post-flop holdings, making it a favourite among players.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about how to play Seven-Six suited in Poker:

What is Seven-Six Suited?

Seven-Six suited refers to a starting hand where you have a seven and a six card of the same suit. For example, you might have the 7♠ and 6♠ or the 7♥ and 6♥.

This hand is often played in Texas Hold'em and other variants because it has the potential for making straights, flushes, or even a straight flush. The specific appeal of 7-6 suited lies in its ability to form numerous combinations that can result in powerful hands, making it a somewhat deceptive hand to play.

How to Play Seven-Six Suited in Cash Games

Preflop Strategy

Early Position

• Fold: In the early position, it is usually best to fold 7♠6♠. Being out of position for the remainder of the hand is disadvantageous, and 7♠6♠ does not play well enough to compensate for this positional disadvantage.

Middle Position

• Occasional Raise: Depending on the situation of the table and your image, you can occasionally open-raise 7♠6♠ to mix up your play and take advantage of its drawing potential.
• Fold: More often than not, folding is a safer play, especially if the table is aggressive or if you are less experienced.

Late Position

• Raise: 7♠6♠ is a good hand to open-raise with from the cutoff or button. The drawing potential, combined with the positional advantage, makes it a profitable play.
• Call: If facing a raise, calling can be a good option, especially if you have a good read on your opponent and anticipate a multi-way pot.

Blinds

• Call: Defending your blinds with 7♠6♠ is reasonable, especially against late position raises. The hand has good postflop playability.
• 3-Bet: Occasionally, you can mix in a 3-bet, particularly if you have a loose-aggressive image or if you suspect the initial raiser is stealing frequently.

Postflop Strategy

Flop Play

When you hit a draw:

• Example: Flop comes 8♠5♠2♥, giving you a straight draw and a backdoor flush draw.
• Play: Play aggressively. Consider betting or check-raising to build the pot and put pressure on your opponents. Semi-bluffing is effective here due to your strong equity.

When you hit a pair:

• Example: Flop comes 7♠J♦6♣, giving you two pair.
• Play: Bet for value and protection. Your hand is vulnerable to overcards and possible draws, so you want to charge opponents to see additional cards.

When you hit a monster:

• Example: Flop comes 5♠4♠3♦, giving you a straight with an open-ended straight flush draw.
• Play: Bet and raise aggressively. Your hand is extremely strong, and you want to extract maximum value while protecting against higher straights and flush draws.

When you miss the flop:

• Example: Flop comes K♣9♦2♠, giving you no significant draw or pair.
• Play: Proceed with caution. If you were the preflop aggressor, you might consider a continuation bet (c-bet) to try and take down the pot. If called or raised, be prepared to fold unless you have a specific read or plan.

Turn and River Play

• Improved Draw: Continue playing aggressively if your draw improves on the turn or river. If you make a straight or flush, bet for value.
• Missed Draw: If your draw misses by the river, you can consider bluffing, especially if you believe your opponent is on a weaker range or can be forced to fold.
• Top Pair or Two Pair: If you have a made hand, continue betting for value. Be cautious of board texture and potential draws that may have completed.
• Position and Reads: Always consider your position and any reads on your opponents. Adjust your strategy based on the specific tendencies of the players you are up against.

Example Hand

Preflop:

• You are on the button with 7♠6♠.
• Middle position raises to 3 BB, the cutoff calls.
• You call 3 BB, the small blind folds, and the big blind calls.

Flop:

• The flop comes 8♠5♠2♥.
• Big blind checks, middle position bets 6 BB, cutoff folds.

You have an open-ended straight draw and a flush draw. You decide to raise to 18 BB to apply pressure and build the pot with your strong draw.

The big blind folds, and the middle position calls.

Turn:

• The turn is the 3♠, completing your flush.
• The middle position checks.

You bet 25 BB to extract value from weaker hands and draws. The middle position calls.

River:

• The river is the K♦.
• The middle position checks.

You bet 50 BB for value. If called, you show your flush and take down the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you always raise with 76s preflop?

No, raising with 76s depends on your position. It is often better to fold in early positions due to the risk of facing strong hands. Raising is more advisable in late positions like the cutoff or button as you have better control and information.

How should you play 76s if I miss the flop?

If you miss the flop, you can check in position to see a free turn card. Out of position, you might need to check-fold unless you sense weakness from your opponent. Always evaluate the board texture and your opponent’s tendencies before deciding.

What if you hit a strong draw on the flop?

If you obtain a powerful draw, like an open-ended straight or flush variety, the aggressive route in gameplay can have advantages. Engaging in betting or raising as part of a semi-bluff tactic may induce pressure on rivals and enhance your possibility of winning the pot by hitting your draw or forcing folds.

How do you handle a made hand with 76s postflop?

With a made hand, such as a straight or two pairs, bet for value and protection. Assess the board for potential threats like higher straights or flushes. If you are confident you have the best hand, build the pot and extract maximum value from weaker hands.

Conclusion

7-6 suited is a speculative hand that can develop into draws or strong-made hands. However, it requires a strategic approach to realize its full potential. To optimize your success with 7-6 suited, it is crucial to practice patience and carefully weigh your decisions. Also, playing 7-6 suited can lead to high-variance situations. Therefore, ensuring that your bankroll can handle the swings is highly recommended. You must practice good bankroll management by not risking too much of your stack in any single hand or session.

Through regular practice, you can enhance every aspect of your gameplay while gaining a deeper appreciation for the captivating strategic elements that make Poker truly thrilling.