Making most of a middle pair you get on the flop without a draw
Getting a middle pair on the flop is a good news, bad news situation. It is a good thing since you hit part of the flop but on the other hand, there is a good potential that someone has better pair to dominate what you have.
You should be very observant and see how players in front of you will handle their cards. The players after you may also be playing with a top pair but only with a poor kicker or they are just playing you slow.
In a no draw situation where there will be more than two players in the hand, you can try these steps:
A player in front of you may bet to play his cards, your natural response should be to fold since you don’t know what will come next behind you.
If no one plays his cards in front of you, then try putting out half of the pot and see where you stand. If someone raises you, then you must fold since you only have 5 outs before the turn. People behind you might also call and this could bring a string of events on the table.
During a hand with more than two players and draws on the flop, you can see some slow playing it or playing it big. So the kinds of players cancel each other out on the table. One may have a straight draw, a flush, or a top pair coupled with a poor kicker.
Playing a middle pair on a flop is a lot easier when on board, there are no over cards. Be wary of those who raise on the flop. See what’s the best move based on where he is sitting. You can call and wait if they will slow down. You can play and go over the top and risk some chips.
If another player checks on you then bet and see where you stand. If he bets more on top of yours, then fold. His cards may be better than yours.
