The Best and Worst Starting Hands in Poker

In the world of poker, particularly Texas Hold'em, a hand's potential for success is often determined before the first card is even dealt. The two hole cards you're given can be your greatest asset or your biggest liability. Understanding the best and worst starting hands is a fundamental skill that separates novice players from seasoned veterans.

The Best Starting Hands in Poker

The hands that offer the highest probability of winning are those that are already strong or have the potential to become very strong. These hands are often referred to as "premium" or "monster" hands and are the ones you should be most eager to play.

1. Pocket Aces (A,A​):

Undoubtedly, the king of all starting hands, a pair of aces is a statistical favorite against almost any other hand in poker. It's the only hand that is a favorite against another pair. Even though it can be beaten, it's the most powerful hand to start with and should almost always be played aggressively. However, it's crucial to remember that its value can diminish if the board brings a lot of low cards or suited connectors that create straights and flushes.

2. Pocket Kings (K,K​):

The second-best starting hand, pocket kings are a powerhouse. The only thing to fear is an ace on the flop. Against any other hand, a pair of kings is a massive favorite. They are a strong hand that should be played with confidence, but caution is advised if an ace appears on the board.

3. Pocket Queens (Q,Q​):

A very strong hand, pocket queens are another top-tier starting hand. Like kings, they are a big favorite against any hand without a king or an ace. The threat of an overcard on the flop is real, but they are still a hand with significant potential.

4. Ace-King Suited (A,​K​):

Often referred to as "Big Slick," this is the best non-paired hand. While it's not as strong as a pocket pair, its potential is immense. It has great "domination" power, meaning it can beat many other ace hands, and the suited component gives it a chance to make a flush. It can also make the best possible straight. This hand is so valuable because it has a high chance of making the best hand on the board.

The Worst Starting Hands in Poker

On the other side of the spectrum are the hands you should avoid playing unless you are in a very specific situation (e.g., in the big blind with no raises). These hands are often called "junk" or "trash" hands because their chances of winning are extremely low.

1. Seven-Deuce Offsuit (7​,2​):

Considered by many to be the worst starting hand in poker. There are no straight draws, no flush draws, and the highest pair you can make is a pair of sevens. The cards are not connected, and they are too low to form anything of significant value.

2. Eight-Three Offsuit (8,3​):

Similar to the seven-deuce, this hand offers almost no potential. It can't make a straight, and the cards are too low to form a winning pair against most hands.

3. Six-Two Offsuit (6,​2​):

Another hand with almost no potential. The small, disconnected cards make it impossible to form a straight, and the lack of suits means no flush potential.

4. Nine-Four Offsuit (9,4):

While a slightly better high card than the previous examples, this hand still lacks connectivity and suit potential, making it a poor choice for a starting hand.

The Hands in Between

The vast majority of starting hands fall in between these two extremes. Hands like small suited connectors (5,6​) or small pocket pairs (2,2​) can be valuable in the right situations. Suited connectors have the potential to make a straight or a flush, and small pocket pairs can be a monster if you hit a set (three of a kind) on the flop. The value of these hands is highly dependent on your position at the table, the size of the pot, and the actions of other players.

Conclusion

A strong understanding of starting hand values is crucial for long-term success in poker. By knowing when to fold "junk" hands and when to play "premium" hands aggressively, you can significantly improve your win rate. However, remember that poker is a game of skill and strategy, and even the best hand can lose. The key is to make the best decisions over the long run, starting with the hands you choose to play.