Why You are Probably Misplaying Medium Pairs Preflop (And How to Fix It)

Other factors come in to this.
 If you have a tight reputation, opening any pair from EP carries more weight that if you're more of a LAG
 If you're playing a SnG, Spingo, MTT or cash game, the value of pocket pairs changes dramatically.

Originally posted by Nica096
I’ve noticed a recurring leak in live and online games—people aren’t playing medium pocket pairs optimally preflop. Think 77–99 range. I used to overvalue them like crazy… until I dug into my stats and realized they were bleeding my win rate.

A few thoughts to kick off the discussion:

- Opening from EP with 77–88 can be super dicey, especially in tough pools.
- Flatting in MP/CO vs EP raises might seem safe, but you’re often set-mining with poor implied odds.
- Turning these into 3-bet bluffs versus LP opens has actually improved my red line.

3Betting 77-99 kinda seems like overvaluing them, though.
The main value of 3Betting them pre is that your CBet carries more weight.
Just out of curiosity, what has 3Betting mid-size PP done for your green line?

Set mining is fine if you can play for stacks — otherwise it isn't worth it.