Queens and Jacks are the "Baby Paint" cards. Obviously Queens are a little stronger than Jacks, but both of these are vulnerable to the single Aces and Kings that many low-limit players will play, if an over-card shows up on the flop. (An overcard is any card higher than the ones you hold.) Normally I will just call with these pairs, unless the game is extremely tight and I think that a lot of players will fold, thus thinning the field. If the game is tight I will even raise under the gun, but if I get re-raised I know I'm in trouble. You will have to pay attention to your opponents. I have probably saved more money by not raising pre-flop with these hands in most low-limit games.

If you see an overcard on the flop you shouldn't hesitate to bet the hand, but be wary if there is a raise. If no card higher than your Queen or Jack appears on the flop you should raise with the top pair if a player ahead of you bets. You want to make it expensive for anyone who might be holding a single Ace or King. If you should happen to flop a set of Queens or Jacks, then you might want to just call if there is a bet and then go for a raise on the turn when the betting limits are higher. The problem with starting with a pair is that you usually need to flop a set or a straight or straight draw to improve your hand, as you are vulnerable if there are overcards on the flop.

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