So I had a discussion with another 2p2er. He is a winner at 200nl and says you always have to call normal sized (3x) 3bets IP with small pairs. Im pretty sure the standard play is to fold. Is he right and why if so?

some winning regs say yes, some winning regs say no. depends on position/table a ton

A lot of views and only 2 comments...

I've seen both sides to it. I think vs some opponents it might be fine. But in general my default would be to fold. I rather flats suited Ax, SCs.

I think that's bc the question is too broad. OP is basically asking if a strategy that includes 22-66 in your calling range exists.

In order to know conclusively whether such a strategy did or did not exist we'd have to evaluate all calling strategies for different villain opening ranges, villain positions, our positions, stack sizes, post flop combinations, and post flop strategies.

So the short answer is since we can properly structure a scenario taking some of those factors into account (i.e. a stack depth with position that allows us to potentially realize our implied odds for set mining or maximize our informational advantage on the oop player with a known range) then we can say there probably exists a calling range that does include 22-66.

We don't know if it's +EV, - EV, or even the most +EV result for our ranges, but their is potential for such a calling range to exist.

If ever the 'it depends' answer was valid, I think this would be it.

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Precisely. Dealing in absolutes is utterly ridiculous here (hence the JLaw gif). Depending on the situation and positions I've folded, flatted and jammed the hand type in question.

I like to see the villain tendencies postflop in 3-bet pots. If he is a guy who check folds a ton, i like to call because I can steal the pot posflop. If he puts a lot of pressure, I prefer to fold.

oh didnt know this was about 3b pots.

god no, folding quite a bit unless otb

Only really call vs nits where set mining is profitable / they sometimes give up AK unimproved.

you always have to call

Sarcasm? I myself would never call, but this guy said he was good and gives free coaching. And challenged me to make a thread if I dont agree with setmining in 3bet pots

Well, im not going into detail about why you should/have to call there, but i will tell you, that its not because you are going strictly to setmine.

Call if your implied odds are good. I rarely call against shorties for this reason, but will call when deep. Also depends on your opps post flop tendencies - can you win the pot without showdown often etc

Depends a lot on villains sizing. If you open CO to 3BB, seems like it would be best to fold to SB 3bet to 11BB, but call if he makes it 8BB, etc.

if villain has a high 3bet % then our bluff winning frequency and fold equity increase and i make his life hell IP. In addition, if its vs a reg that you play with daily, you can argue balance

It depends on stack-sizes, betsizing pre-flop (odds), and the villain. Some villains spazz out more than they should and if they do flopping sets makes it easy. I would guess that you would be able to take the pots away from villain some per centage of the time as well.