Set Mining

Set Mining is a common poker strategy where a player calls a pre-flop raise with a small or medium pocket pair with the hopes of flopping a set (three of a kind). The logic behind set mining is straightforward: if you hit your set, you have a strong hand that could win a large pot, especially against aggressive opponents who may continue betting with weaker hands.  

‍Factors Affecting Set Mining Profitability  
The profitability of set mining is closely related to several factors, such as the effective stack size, your position, and the likelihood of getting value if you make your set. Set mining is most effective when there are deep stacks, giving you the implied odds needed to profit if you make a set.  

- Effective Stack Size: It is generally advisable to have an effective stack size of at least 20 times the size of the bet you need to call. This ensures that when you do hit your set, you can win enough chips to justify the call.

- Position: Set mining is more profitable in position since it gives you more control over the betting action post-flop, allowing you to extract maximum value when you hit your set.  

‍Example  Consider you are playing a cash game and the small blind raises. You are in the big blind with a pocket pair of 6s. If the effective stack sizes are deep enough, calling to try and set mine could be a profitable play. If you hit your set on the flop, you could potentially win a large pot against hands like overpairs or top pair.  However, set mining can be risky. You will only make a set on the flop about 12% of the time, which means you must ensure the potential reward is worth the risk.