When deciding whether or not to play the medium pairs, always consider the following factors (the first two are the most important).

If you are not in a steal position make sure all your cards are live before you decide to play:

   1. Do you have a strong kicker?
   2. What are the other upcards?
   3. Is the game tight or loose?
   4. Your hand is stronger when your pair is concealed.
   5. Holding a two-flush and/or two-straight gives your pair additional value.

You should generally fold your medium pairs in raised pots, unless you have a bigger kicker than the pair the raiser is representing.

When you hold a medium pair and there are no upcards higher than your pair on the board, you should almost always raise with them. If you have a strong kicker to your pair, it holds certain advantages. For example, it allows you to represent a higher pair than what you hold and it increases your chances of ending up with the best two-pair. If the pot is raised and you have a strong kicker, you should call. If the pot has been raised and re-raised, you should generally fold no matter what additional value you hold.