How to handle trap hands
One of the most common errors beginning/intermediate players do is to play two big cards or any Ace from early positions and call raises with that type of hand. It's a huge mistake to play this way since these hands easily become trap hands. A trap hand is a hand that is likely to be second best even if it hits. If you play these hands frequently you will pay dearly. Classic examples of trap hands are AT, AJ, KQ, KJ, KT, QJ and QT. If you limp in with KJ for example, you might well get trapped by a stronger hand like KQs, AK, AJs, AA, KK and QQ. As mentioned, a mistake like this will prove very costly.
This is also true when it comes to calling raises with trap hands. The most common raising hands from early positions include AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AQ and AK. This clearly shows that it's a bad idea to call raises with trap hands.
However, there are actually a few times when the trap hands are playable. As always, timing is crucial in poker. When you're sitting and late position and is first to act in the pot, these hands might well be worth a raise.