Starting hands guide
How to play the right cards at the right time
The basic idea of poker is to play the strongest hands in early position, good hands in mid-position and a few more hands in the late (aka strongest) position.
Over time, you'll naturally want to shake things up a bit. For now, stick with this and you'll never find yourself in trouble holding 7-2 off-suit.
Hole cards |
Late | Middle | Early/Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Ace | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace King | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace Queen | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Ace Jack | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Ace Ten | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Ace Nine | Suited | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Ace Two | Suited | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| King King | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| King Queen | Re-raise | Play | Check/Fold |
| King Jack | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| King Ten | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| King Nine | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Queen Queen | Re-raise | Raise | Raise |
| Queen Jack | Play | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Queen Ten | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Queen Nine | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Jack Jack | Re-raise | Raise | Play |
| Jack Ten | Re-raise | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Ten Ten | Re-raise | Play | Play |
| Ten Nine | Suited | Suited | Check/Fold |
| Nine Nine | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Seven Seven | Play | Play | Check/Fold |
| Six Six | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
| Two Two | Play | Check/Fold | Check/Fold |
Re-raise
Re-raise
You're in a strong position here, so go for it. This is your chance to take control.
Raise
Raise
You've got good cards in a good position. see if you can make them count with a solid and confident raise.
Play
Play
Play these cards, but watch out - your opponents' may be stronger. If people are raising in front of you, you may have to fold.
Suited
Suited
Only play these cards if they're the same suit.
Check/Fold
Check/Fold
If you have the opportunity to see the flop for free, check, if not fold your hand.
Table positions
Examples
A
Player A is in an early position and has been dealt A-K suited. Player A should raise to test the resolve of the other players at the table.
B
Player A is in a middle position and has been dealt A-5. All other players check, Player A checks also, but a player in the late position, raises. Player A should fold.
C
Player A is in a late position and has been dealt A-A. Player A should raise or re-raise to dictate the terms of the betting pre-flop.
Suited connectors
Includes hands like 8-7 suited or Q-J suited.
These have the potential to make both straights and flushes, but can get you into trouble. Fold if the flop isn't kind.