Flopping two pair in no limit Texas holdem provides a great opportunity, but one that is fraught with peril. Hitting two pair can mean collecting a big pot or seeing your entire stack disappear before your very eyes.

Example of a Dangerous Two Pair Situation in No Limit Texas Hold’em

A $2/$5 blind no limit Texas holdem game. Let’s say you are in the big blind with K9 off suit. A middle position player raises to $20 and a late position player calls. You also decide to call.

Calling with K9 out of position is dangerous. However, you like the odds you are getting, so you decide to see if you can flop something.

Indeed, you can. The flop comes Kh Th 9c. Knowing that two pair is a dangerous hand, you decide to lead right out for $30.

To your surprise, the middle position player raises you $100 and the late position player goes all-in for $150. You have $800 and the middle position player has you covered. What do you do?

Solution to Dangerous Two Pair Situation

Your problem is that you are facing a highly coordinated board. It is very easy for one of these players to have come into the pot with QJ, in which case you are drawing very slim. You might also be facing KT in which case you would be drawing almost dead.

Then of course, there is the possibility of a set of tens, kings or nines, not to mention a flush draw that could improve to beat you. You are facing two players with many chips to protect. Your best bet is probably to fold. Alternatively, you could try re-raising $150 more. If your live opponent folds or flat calls, you can continue with the hand. If he puts you all-in, it is safe to fold.