Your position relative to the blinds is important, as to when to raise and when to call. If you hold a small pair and the betting was all calls or minimum bets then it may be a great time to raise. Doing this may make some of the weaker draws fold so that you have fewer players to beat after the hand is dealt. If there were calls and raises before the betting gets to you, it may be wise to fold a small pair. Suited higher cards or ace king or queen may be worth the call.

Also knowing the players in game is always an advantage. Some players never change their game or pattern of play. If a player is a known raiser on weak hands, it may be to your advantage to come back over the top with a raise.