What are they?
Connectors are those pocket cards you get from time to time that are next to each other in range. 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’re not going to flop a straight or flush often, you’ll want to play these hands when the payout looks big. But don’t invest too many chips to see the flop. The concept here is that if you are in good position and there are no big raises or re-raises in front of you, then you can reverse the small bet to see the flop. Notice I said IN POSITION. Suited connecting hands are best played from late position. At this point you can either call or limp. Don’t try to follow a big raise or a reraised pot. Since the bets are blind and not much higher, you will probably see some players in the pot. A win here will bring you a good size pot.
late position play
If the table is tight, make a 3x raise (triple the big blind) and let the other players assume you have that big pair. This play should narrow the field and you may win the pot, as the tight play has most likely shown weak hands or draws from the other players. Use suitable connectors from the LATE position.
What are the possibilities?
Your chances of hitting a straight or flush on the flop are no more than 10%. The odds of getting two pair on the flop are only 3%. The odds of a pair are around 25%, so if you have suited connectors (A,K), (K,Q) or (Q,J), seeing the flop is worth a few more chips. The most common flop, you get nothing to help your hand!
after failure
If the game is tight after the flop. Check your odds. If you have eight or nine outs, your odds are closer to 30% to hit that straight flush. Listen! The only way to know if the game is tight is if you are in a good position. Bet big only in a good position and at good odds.
Playing suited connectors is not for the selective player.
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