This is your best opportunity to get creative and to “advertise” to other players that you aren’t actually rock tight. You can play pretty much anything if there are no raises, or if the raise is small, as long as you are willing to acknowledge the limitations of the hands you are likely to get.

First off, remember that a rag two pair is easily beaten and can never be the nut hand. Even in the most un-coordinated board, a set can still beat you. It’s a good hand, but don’t get carried away. Win a small to medium pot and play up to any snide comments about the crap hands you will play, but don’t think “here is my opportunity to make a big profit”. Also beware of big pots with low flushes – these can lose you a lot of money.

What you really want here is a low wheel straight or something similarly unlikely. That is pretty much the only time these rag hands can give you the nuts and let you bet with impunity.

These kinds of miracle straights are pretty rare. The real reason you play rubbish from the blinds is to set up people for big hands in other positions. Keep this in mind at all times. I’ve had session where I’ve seen less than 20% of flops but because of decent advertising from the blinds I’ve been on the receiving end of abuse about all of the rags I keep playing. Heaven!