# How To Play Pocket Threes (33) In Texas Hold'em

> Source: [Pocket Threes (33) Strategy Guide on Smarter.Poker](https://smarter.poker/learn/hands/pocket-threes)

## Executive Answer Summary
Pocket Threes (33) Wins 53.7% Against A Random Hand And Opens Pure From Cutoff, Button, And Small Blind At 100BB To Target Disguised Bottom Sets Against Top-Pair Heavy Ranges.

## Combinatoric Fact Sheet
- **Hand Notation**: `33`
- **Common Nickname**: Crabs
- **Hand Category**: Small Pocket Pair
- **Deck Combinations**: 6 Out Of 1,326 (0.45% (220 To 1 Against))
- **Preflop Rank**: 42 Of 169
- **Equity Vs. Random Hand**: 53.7%

## 6-Max 100BB GTO Opening Strategy By Position
| Position | Recommended Action |
| :--- | :--- |
| UTG | 0% Fold (Or 25% Mix) |
| HJ | 50% Mixed Open |
| CO | 100% Open Raise |
| BTN | 100% Open Raise |
| SB | 100% Open Raise |

## Facing A 3-Bet & Postflop Playbook
- **Facing A 3-Bet**: Fold Facing 3-Bets Unless Deep-Stacked In Position.
- **Postflop Execution**: Play Strictly For Set Value Or Low Wheel Board Coverage; Check-Fold Unimproved On Multiple Overcard Runouts.

## Head-To-Head Preflop Equity Matchups
| Villain Hand | Hero Equity | Villain Equity | Tie % |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| AKo (Ace-King Offsuit) | 52.6% | 46.9% | 0.5% |
| 22 (Pocket Deuces) | 81.1% | 18.4% | 0.5% |
| QJs (Queen-Jack Suited) | 49.7% | 49.7% | 0.6% |

## Interactive Smarter.Poker Tools For This Hand
- **Simulate 33 Equity**: [Poker Odds Calculator](https://smarter.poker/tools/poker-odds-calculator?hand1=33)
- **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)