The pocket cards are the first two cards that you look at. Playing just any old two card combination can break your bank fast. I like to play what I call the Black Jack hands. That is any two cards that add up to 20 or 21. Aces are eleven amd face cards are ten. All other cards have their numerical value. These are your pre-flop cards and only you get to see them. Keep in mind that after the flop everything changes. Also keep in mind that unless you are sitting on one of the blinds it did not cost you anything to see these cards so you are not married to them. If you are dealt Jack of Diamonds and the Six of Spades you do not have to take them all the way to the alter...err...river.
From time to time you are going to be dealt pocket pairs. Play them, but play them carefully. Pocket Aces are the best pre-flop hand. After the flop things can be very different. Pocket kings are almost as good as the Aces but you have the Ace overcard to worry about on the flop, the turn, and the river. Be careful. Pocket Queens and Jacks have even more overcards to worry about. That is what you do and limp in if you can.
Pocket pairs Ten and under. Limp in if you can. You might want to see a raise or two pre-flop depending on your position on how much you respect the raising player. If you do not flop a set (Three of a Kind) you might want to break the engagement and fold. If you flop two pair your's most often is going to be lower.
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