However, if the betting gets very heavy before the flop then you will need to assess the situation carefully based on the tendencies and possible ranges of your opponent. Statistically, the chances that your pair of queens are up against either kings or aces is very low. How pocket Queens compare to other hands. Some of the factors that will influence your play are the tendencies and betting styles of your opponents, the stack sizes in relation to the blinds and your position at the table. This article will look at playing queens both before and after the flop in different situations. Then after the flop, a high level of caution is required as an over-card to your pair could be dangerous, and so you should be careful that you do not become ‘married' to the hand and are able to fold if you feel that you are beat. If you get into a ‘raising war' it is very likely you'll be up against the only hands you truly fear – aces or kings. However, there are two problems in playing this hand pre-flop. A pair of queens are almost certainly the best hand before the flop in No-Limit Texas Holdem.
