Raising in Poker from the Big Blind Position

Is it worth raising in poker being the big blind using a pair of AA, or any pair for that matter? It depends.

It is unwise to be raising in poker when we're positioned as the big blind. Even if we have a pair of AA, we should probably give up on the idea. And if a pair of AA is not worth raising with from the position of big blind, then we better not raise from it with anything at all. However, there are some instances when raising in poker from being positioned as the big blind can be favorable.

Let's say being positioned as the big blind and there are at least 6 players limping in, we may consider raising even if we have a mere suited connectors 7 and 8. It's a better situation if we have a suited jack and 10. But we must satisfy certain conditions to make this possible. First of all, see to it that the game is a loose one during the phases of the play pre-flop and after the flop. At least we get paid through this when we have a good hit for our hand.

It's preferable for a hand to be flexible that it can win in different ways. This can help us make our play better and build a nice pot through contributions from other players. Our chances for good draws also increase, and may even reward us with an actual win. Then it also gives us an appearance of playing loosely—this will serve us well when people know us to be a tight player. When the play reaches showdown, this "bluffed" image will do us lots of good. And the fun of it all is that we're able to do all these with little risk and a good reason for positivism. This should not be done often, though.

Raising from the big blind position may avail us a chance to steal when there are some three or less players limping. Two or less callers won't threaten us much. It's not often that big blinds raise, so doing so will give players the impression that we have a pretty strong hand, especially if we're know to play tough and tight. Should we miss the flop raising till the turn may eventually win us the pot. Plus, it confirms our trait as a tight player.

With enough caution, we may also raise from the big blind position. But we have to be tight imaged.