# How To Play Pocket Eights (88) In Texas Hold'em

> Source: [Pocket Eights (88) Strategy Guide on Smarter.Poker](https://smarter.poker/learn/hands/pocket-eights)

## Executive Answer Summary
Pocket Eights (88) Opens 100% From Every 6-Max Seat At 100BB And Flops A Set Approximately 11.8% Of The Time (7.5 To 1 Against) With Strong Implied Odds Against Overpairs.

## Combinatoric Fact Sheet
- **Hand Notation**: `88`
- **Common Nickname**: Snowmen
- **Hand Category**: Medium Pocket Pair
- **Deck Combinations**: 6 Out Of 1,326 (0.45% (220 To 1 Against))
- **Preflop Rank**: 14 Of 169
- **Equity Vs. Random Hand**: 69.1%

## 6-Max 100BB GTO Opening Strategy By Position
| Position | Recommended Action |
| :--- | :--- |
| UTG | 100% Open Raise |
| HJ | 100% Open Raise |
| CO | 100% Open Raise |
| BTN | 100% Open Raise |
| SB | 100% Open Raise |

## Facing A 3-Bet & Postflop Playbook
- **Facing A 3-Bet**: Call When Implied Odds Satisfy The Set-Mining Threshold (Call <= 7% To 10% Of Effective Stack).
- **Postflop Execution**: Fast-Play Flopped Sets On Wet Boards To Deny Equity And Charge Overpairs Maximum Chips.

## Head-To-Head Preflop Equity Matchups
| Villain Hand | Hero Equity | Villain Equity | Tie % |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| AKo (Ace-King Offsuit) | 54.6% | 45.0% | 0.4% |
| JTs (Jack-Ten Suited) | 51.9% | 47.5% | 0.6% |
| 77 (Pocket Sevens) | 81.2% | 18.3% | 0.5% |

## Interactive Smarter.Poker Tools For This Hand
- **Simulate 88 Equity**: [Poker Odds Calculator](https://smarter.poker/tools/poker-odds-calculator?hand1=88)
- **View Full 13x13 Preflop Grid**: [GTO Preflop Range Matrix](https://smarter.poker/tools/preflop-ranges)
- **All Starting Hands**: [Starting Hand Encyclopedia](https://smarter.poker/learn/hands)