Learn the concept of folding big pairs here

Having the ability to play well over pairs during post-flop in a full ring cash match with 9 hands is a crucial skill only few players have. Majority of experienced players know when folding big pairs should be done even before they see the flop. In this article, the basic plan on what to do when you got an over pair after the flop will be discussed as well as when to fold depending on your opponent's actions.

In general, aggressive players have a high probability of raising both as bluff and for value. In contrary, rarely can you see passive players bluff, and if ever they do, they're scared of risking their stack. You can use this to your advantage in a way that when you are up against aggressive opponents you have a small probability of folding to his aggression, while if you are playing against a passive opponent and he raises, you should be more eager to folding big pairs. Here are some rules to follow when folding big pairs.

If a passive gamer raises you on whatever street, you have to slow down. On the turn, when a passive opponent raises you, you must probably fold, more so if you're on the river. Passive players don't value bet lightly. Rarely do they raise below the top two pair. So if a passive gamer raises, they will crush your over pairs. Flop raises are normally weaker compared to those on the turn and the river, but they are still solid nonetheless.

In a once-raise pot heading to the flop, you shouldn't be looking to have your stack after the flop with only an over pair. An exception to this is when you are playing against an aggressive high-roller. In this situation, you mustn't fold most pf your top pairs against him.

For re-raised pots, minimize folding an over pair. It only takes a few number of bluff combos or weak value hands to justify stacking off after the flop when the money is in the pot already, especially if stacks are a hundred big blinds or fewer.

The last rule is about calling ranges. Several of your opponent's calling ranges are wider compared to their wagering ones. Therefore, you have to be more open to wager for value than to call, except when you are playing against opponents who bet huge amounts if they are checked to. At this point, you could make a bluff and win a bigger pot.

The toughest to discuss is when you are unfamiliar with your opponents and their ranges. If you have the smallest, or none at all, stats about your enemies on the table, you normally have to provide the benefit of the doubt. You have to fold if they are being aggressive. This is what's difficult when you have no reads while playing. This is also the reason why it is crucial to gather information about your opponents' stats the soonest time possible. But the good thing is, if you don't know anything about them, chances are they don't know anything about you, too, so you can bluff a little. If you are faced with a solid raise from a player you know nothing about, you need to take it seriously.