Suited connectors

Hands like 76s, 98s play best in position, multiway or against players who will pay off strong made hands. They play worst UTG against nits who only continue with premiums.

You're not calling to 'hit a pair.' You're calling to flop strong draws or two-pair+ and win a big pot. If that story isn't plausible at this table, fold.

Same hand, flop 9♠6♠2♦ — you have a strong draw. Now you have a plan: raise or call based on SPR and opponent stickiness. The point of suited connectors is this flop, not the K-high brick.