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Poker Starting Hands

Poker Starting Hands - playing poker with good starting hands gives you the advantage

Learning which hands to play in texas holdem poker is a must for all poker players.  Learn the best hands to play from each position, and you will come out a winner.  Pre-flop starting hands should be determined based on the strength of your cards, the type of players at the table, and your chip stack.

Things to consider with our recommended starting hands:

• This list is a starting point. As you gain experience, experiment with different strategies.

• The following list of recommended starting poker hands may be adjusted dependent on game type (limit or no-limit poker).

 Recommended starting hands (an (s) beside the hand indicates it is suited):

 Early position -         Raise AA, KK, QQ, AK,

                                Call AQ, AJ, ATs KQ(s)

                                Call JJ-88 (77-55 if you think you won’t be raised).  With a timid table call all pairs.

                                Fold all others

 
Mid position -           Raise AA-TT, AK(s), AQ(s)

                               Call AJ, AT, 99 – 22 unraised

                               Fold all others

 
Late position -          Raise AA-99, AK, AQ, KQ

                               Call AJ, AT, KJ, KT, QJ, any pair, any ace suited if unraised.

 Other Points to Remember:

• In no-limit texas holdem poker you will find limping in (calling) with poor cards very costly.

•  It is almost always safer to be the one raising than to be the one calling. 

• Often it the first one in the pot who wins the pot. 

• Aggression will win you a lot of pots and especially the blinds.  If you are in late position and only you and the blinds remain in the hand, you may raise with less than premium hands.  This is effective in tournaments where stealing blinds is necessary to make it to the next level.

• In limit poker, it is much easier to call a raise with a pocket pair from early position.

• Your intention when calling a small to medium pair is to see if you hit a set (2 in your hand, one on the board) on the flop.   If you miss, fold to any bet, unless your pair are overcards.

• Beware of playing ace “anything” – you are almost always better to fold an Ace with a low kicker.
   

 Remember this is just a guide.  You may want to vary the hands you play.   Being able to mix up your style will keep your opponents guessing, and give you a potential edge.