Why poker players hate pocket pairs

[Mike_25]

Why do poker players seem to dread getting pocket pairs like two Queens or two Kings? Having a pair is usually a good thing in poker, yet many players groan when dealt these "cowboy" hands. While pocket pairs have some starting strength, do they also present challenges that outweigh their initial promise? Beginners like myself tend to overvalue pairs, but what is it about how experts play them that causes so much distaste?

 

[Lazza]

Pocket pairs' playability may occasionally be restricted, particularly if they are low pairs. Playing small pocket pairs after the flop can be difficult, and players might not know how to proceed with the hand.