subject: Sit N Go - Suited Connectors - When To Play Them [print this page] What are they? What are they?
Connectors are those pocket cards you get from time to time that are next to each other in rank. For example (8,9) or (10,J). Suited connectors are those that are of the same suit. For example (8s,9s) or (10h,Jh).
When To Play Them
Since you are not going to flop your straight or flush often, you want to play these hands when the payoff looks to be large. But do not invest too many chips to see the flop. The concept here is if you are in good position And there are no big raises or re-raises in front of you then you can invest the small bet to see the flop. Notice I said IN POSITION. Your suited connector hands are best played from late position. At this point you can call or limp in. Do not try to follow a big raise or re-raised pot. Since the bets are at the blind and not much higher, you will probably see a few players in the pot. A win here will bring a good sized pot your way.
Late Position Play
If the table is tight then put in a 3x raise (three time the big blind) letting the other players assume you have that big pair. This play should lessen the field and you may just take down the pot since the tight play has shown, most likely, weak hands or drawing hand from the other players. Use suited connectors from LATE position.
Whats The Odds?
Your odds of flopping a straight or a flush are no better than about 10%. The odds of flopping two pair are barely 3%. The odds of a pair are about 25%, so if you have the big suited connectors (A,K),(K,Q) or (Q,J) then seeing the flop is worth a few more chips. The most common flop, you get nothing to help your hand!
After The Flop
If play is tight after the flop. Check your odds. If you have eight or nine outs your odds move up to close to 30% to hit that straight of flush. Listen up! The only way you know if play is tight is if you are in good position. Bet big only in good position and with good odds.
Playing suited connectors are not for the tight player.
