Playing Pocket Sixes in Cash Games: Tips and Strategies
Pocket Sixes are a solid starting hand in poker, but they can be tricky to play, especially when facing overcards on the flop. In this article, we’ll provide some tips and strategies to help you navigate different preflop situations when you have Pocket Sixes.
Playing Pocket Sixes Preflop
Unopened Pots Pocket Sixes are in the top 6-7% of all starting hands, so you should always raise when the action folds to you, regardless of your position. Avoid open-limping with any hand.
Against a Raise When facing a raise, your position plays a crucial role in your decision-making process.
From the Big Blind: Call the raise with Pocket Sixes from the Big Blind. Despite playing out of position with a high stack-to-pot ratio, the pot odds are in your favor, making it appealing to call.
From the Small Blind: In cash games, cold-calling from the Small Blind is typically a losing play, so you should only 3-bet from this position. However, if facing an open from the Cutoff or Button, 3-betting is appropriate. Only call with Pocket Sixes if playing a very soft live cash game with a passive Big Blind.
From the Button: Pocket Sixes are ideal to call with from the Button because of the position advantage. The Button is the last player to act postflop, which increases your ability to realize equity.
From the Rest: Avoid cold-calling or 3-betting from other positions, as Pocket Sixes are not strong enough against “GTO” open-raising ranges. However, if playing against a loose player, consider calling or 3-betting.
Against a 3-Bet When facing a 3-bet, consider your position and opponent’s tendencies.
Out of Position: Mix between calling and folding with Pocket Sixes when out of position. If your opponent is very tight and the 3-bet size isn’t large, call with Sixes as you can potentially stack them when you flop a set against their strong range.
In Position: If you’re in position versus the 3-bettor, calling becomes more attractive, especially in a wide range vs. wide range spot.
Against a 4-Bet When facing a 4-bet, decide whether to call or fold based on positions and opponent tendencies.
In Position: If you’re in position versus the 4-bettor, calling becomes more attractive, especially in a wide range vs. wide range spot. Consider 5-betting all-in with 100bb stacks against players who 4-bet bluff at a decent frequency.
Out of Position: Mix between calling and folding with Pocket Sixes when out of position against a 4-bet.
Conclusion
Pocket Sixes are a solid starting hand in poker. When playing them, consider your position, opponent tendencies, and stack sizes. Raise with them in unopened pots, call raises from the Big Blind, and consider 3-betting from the Small Blind or Button. Against a 3-bet or 4-bet, mix between calling and folding based on the situation. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be able to play Pocket Sixes more confidently in cash games.
