How to Play
In 5 person Poker table, I get QQ. How should I play?
Getting QQ (pocket queens) in a 5-person (short-handed) poker table is a strong hand — it’s the third-best starting hand after AA and KK. Here's how to optimally play it:
🎯 Preflop Strategy
You should almost always raise or 3-bet preflop with QQ in 5-handed play.
If you're first to act (UTG or hijack):
Raise (3x to 4x BB) confidently.
Folding here is a mistake unless you're facing an all-in from a very tight player.
If someone raised before you:
3-bet to isolate. If original raiser bet 3BB, raise to ~9–12BB depending on stack sizes.
Don’t flat-call unless the raiser is hyper-aggressive and likely to shove postflop.
If someone 3-bets you:
You should 4-bet or shove depending on stack sizes and reads.
Against unknowns or average players, QQ is a value 4-bet hand.
🃏 Postflop Strategy
If the flop is low or dry (e.g., 8♠ 4♦ 2♣):
You're likely still ahead. Bet for value or even slow-play depending on aggressiveness.
If there's an A or K on the flop:
Tread carefully. A continuation bet is fine, but be prepared to check-call or fold depending on your opponent’s action and tendencies.
If multiple players call/raise, consider you may be beat.
🧠 General Tips
5-handed games reward aggression — QQ is rarely a hand to slow-play preflop.
Stack size matters: if you’re under 40BB, QQ is often a jam-worthy hand preflop.
Against a known nit who 4-bets, you could fold, but this is rare and highly dependent on player profiling.
Would you like a hand decision tree (based on action before you) or analysis for tournament vs. cash game?
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