How to Play Suited Connectors

Upswing Poker Level-Up

Poker starting hands that are both suited and connected can be massive money-makers. But they can also cost you your stack if you over-play them. Do you know the proper times to raise, 3-bet, and call a 3-bet with suited connectors? And are you aware of the preference towards lower suited connectors in certain scenarios?

Alongside host Mike Brady, poker pro Gary Blackwood gives you the answers to those key questions and more in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:54 Defending the Big Blind with Suited Connectors

04:56 Playing Suited Connectors When Overcalling

06:31 Responding to Three-Bets with Suited Connectors

08:50 Facing a Four-Bet with Suited Connectors

11:16 Post-Flop Tips for Suited Connectors

15:01 Aggressive Play in Single-Raised Pots

17:28 Adjusting Strategy in Three-Bet Pots

20:35 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the intricacies of playing suited connectors—a crucial hand category that can significantly impact your success at the tables. Suited connectors are versatile hands that can hit big draws and strong hands, but they require a deep understanding of how to play them effectively in different situations. Whether you're navigating pre-flop decisions or making post-flop moves, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you make the most of suited connectors.

The podcast kicks off with an exploration of pre-flop strategies for suited connectors, where Gary explains how to adjust your play based on position, stack depth, and your opponent's tendencies. The hosts discuss when to raise, flat, or fold suited connectors, emphasizing the importance of not overvaluing these hands in early positions. They also cover the nuances of defending your big blind with suited connectors, explaining how to balance your three-betting and calling ranges to keep your opponents off balance.

As the discussion progresses, Mike and Gary delve into the challenges of playing suited connectors in multi-way pots and against three-bets. They highlight the dangers of over-calling with low suited connectors, particularly when facing strong opponents who can dominate you post-flop. The episode also explores how to respond to four-bets, offering practical tips on when to continue and when to fold, depending on your read of the situation.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into post-flop play with suited connectors, including how to leverage their potential in single-raised and three-bet pots. Gary provides tips on when to play aggressively with combo draws and made hands, as well as when to slow down and control the pot to avoid getting trapped. The hosts also discuss the importance of playing your range rather than your hand, emphasizing how to use suited connectors as bluffs in spots where your range is strong, even if your specific hand is weak.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their play with suited connectors. Whether you're a cash game grinder or a tournament player, the strategies discussed in this episode will help you make more informed decisions and increase your profitability with these tricky yet powerful hands. Tune in, take notes, and start playing suited connectors like a pro with guidance from Mike and Gary.