Hitting Two-pair on the Flop

Type of Game: Limit Texas Hold'em, $20-$40 Cash Game
Your Cards: Qh-6c
Your Position: Small Blind

Scenario: A player in early position calls, you limp in as well and the big blind checks. Now there is $60 in the pot and three players still in the hand. The flop shows Qd-8d-6h, giving you top and bottom two-pair. What do you do in this situation? Check or bet?

Our answer: You should check in this situation. You do this with the intention of raising if one of your opponents bets. The pot is small and reasonably unconnected, and you are willing to risk giving away a free card. If both your rivals check, you should consider trying for a check-raise again depending on what hits on the turn. Even if a player picks up a flush or open-ended straight draw, the pot will not be giving good enough odds to draw.

This question is written by PokerListings.com – extensive online poker guide.