If you're like me, one of the things you need to get a handle on when playing poker is your thirst for action.

If I fold too many times I have a tendency to play things that I shouldn't. And nothing is more tempting (and foolish) than going in with a small pair.

A small pocket pair is not a good hand and a good rule of thumb is to fold them unless you're in late position with most of the table folded. Otherwise if you go in early and anyone raises you pretty much have to fold. You need to see that flop for next to nothing and when it comes you better see a set or it's time to check/fold.

As always with poker, everything depends on the chip-count, the players at the table, how much you've had to drink, etc. But if you're like me, beware. Don't get bored with all the crap hands you get dealt and then go jumping in with a pair of fours.

They will let you down. They will leave in the gutter crying for your mother. Then after you've fogotten their treachery they will come back to you when you're bored and tell you that a set is on its way if you just give them a chance. Then you'll get beat by a pair of jacks on the turn. Don't say I didn't warn you. Just say "No" to small pairs.