Dealing with Pocket Jacks
In Texas Hold ‘Em poker online, pocket Jacks rank as the fifth best hand. But people often moan about getting Jacks, complaining that they always get beat. Yet they’re hard to fold too because it is highly ranked starter hand.
So do you raise or just limp into the pot? Obviously, every action you take in online poker has to be tailored to the situation and people at the table. When you’re in early position with pocket Jacks at a loose table, limping in may be fine since there are four hands that can beat you. A raise from early position might get others to fold, except for those holding higher pair, a strong Ace or other face. At a loose table, a raise may bring a re-raise too, which puts pressure on the Jacks.
If the players are tight, a raise could narrow the field, but you’ll most likely be up against strong hands. If the flop brings higher faces or Aces, you may have to just toss the Jacks behind a big bet. But if the highest card is a 10, then make an aggressive bet with your Jacks. The turn and river might be betray you, but it’s worth trying to win the pot when a raggy flop comes out. Remember this at the casino online.
