How do you play pocket nines?

Open it from anywhere and re-raise it against loose opponents who play too many hands. Against a single raise it makes a comfortable call, both because it is often already ahead and because it can flop a set. The deeper the action gets, the more its value comes from hitting a nine on the flop rather than from the pair holding up.

This hand opens for a raise from every position, including under the gun.

Common mistake: Overplaying it on a flop full of overcards. When an ace, king, or queen hits and you face real pressure, a pair of nines is often just a bluff-catcher, not a hand to stack off with.

Quick tip: Strong enough to raise, not strong enough to ignore overcards. Flop a set and the hand plays itself.