Hi, this is my first post so I hope this is the right place.

I am wondering how do some of you play big pocket pairs, like A A, Q Q or J J?
How much do you raise preflop? And if so, why?

I usually raise 3 times the big blind with those hands. In fact, I raise 3X BB with every hand, be it A K or 8 9... Is that a good idea, to raise 3X with every hand, to keep your opponents guessing???
But since pocket pairs can be risky hands, should I be raising more to eliminate drawing hands? And if so, how much, and why.

Your inputs would be greatly appreciated!

If I'm opening into an unlimped pot, i usually make it 4x plus one for every limper. But if your table is extremely loose and aggressive, you may consider just limping with AA or KK, and then reraising if theres a raise. With other marginal to strong hands i usually raise 3x plus one for every limper.

totally depends on position, type of players at table, action leading up to you....

Don't vary your raises based on the size of your hand - keep a pre-flop raise the same regardless of whether you have 89s or AA, otherwise any player paying attention will know when you have a premium hand and when you don't.

With pocket pairs, just don't get married to them - take note of the board and the way the players around you play, they normally tell you when you are beaten by their betting patterns (at micro stakes at least).