Big Pair
A big pair is a pair of high cards, such as aces, kings, queens or jacks.
The simple explanation
A big pair is a pair of high cards, usually aces, kings, queens or jacks. Such a pair is strong because it is likely to be the best pair on the flop and it beats most hands your opponents hold. The exact limit varies, and some players count only aces and kings.
A closer look
With a big pair the usual plan is to raise before the flop, to thin the field, and to keep betting when the board is safe. The danger is overcards: a pair of jacks has to worry about every ace, king and queen on the flop. A big pair is also less valuable in Omaha, where opponents hold four cards and have more ways to beat it. Playing it too passively gives opponents free cards.
A practical example
A player is dealt Q♠ Q♦, a big pair, and raises before the flop. The flop brings an ace, so he slows down.
Full explanation
A big pair is a pair of high cards, such as aces, kings, queens or jacks.
A big pair is a pair of high-value cards, such as aces, kings, queens or jacks. It is a term used for a starting pair in hold’em and Omaha.
The exact definition varies. Some players count a pair of tens too, others stop at queens. What matters is that the pair is higher than most cards that will come on the flop.
A big pair is strong but not safe. Higher pairs beat it, and overcards on the flop can make it second best. In Omaha it loses much of its strength because every opponent has four cards.
The usual advice is to raise with it before the flop and to bet it for value when the board is dry.