In the game of poker players are dealt two original cards which are also known as hole cards. The first two cards that you hold can determine the likelihood of you achieving a successful poker hand by the end of the day.
By understanding the top ten starting poker hands and their value you can determine early on whether it is worth staying in the game or folding.
If you understand the low starting poker hands, you will be able to safely fold early in the game which can save you throwing money into a game that you have little chance of winning.
On the other hand, if you do not appreciate the chances that you hold with the different starting poker hands, you may find yourself pouring money into a game that you are going to lose anyway. Here we will look at the top ten starting poker hands.
Top Ten Starting Poker Hands
There is any number of options for the combination of two cards that you are first dealt in a game of poker. Here we will look at the top ten starting poker hands. With any of these ten starting poker hands, you will be in good shape to continue into the rest of the game.
Ace-Ace – This is the best of the starting poker hands that you can be dealt and it will see you win the most number of times compared to any other starting poker hands. It is also known as bullets, pocket rockets and American Airlines.
King-King – This is the second best of the starting poker hands and it will see you winning a high percentage of the time. King-King is also referred to as Cowboys.
Queen-Queen – Holding two Queens will give you the upper hand on any hands holding Jacks and below. Also known as Ladies, two Queens is still one of the top starting poker hands.
Ace-King – Ace-King has potential as one of the top starting poker hands, however it can go either way. It is the strongest of the drawing hands, but it needs the cards in the flop to work with it for it to pay off. You would hope for a pair of Aces or Kings and suited is slightly stronger as you could hope for a flush.
Jack-Jack – A pair of Jacks can win 20% of the time, although if the flop shows a King, Queen or Ace you may have a hard time.
Ace-Queen – Ace-Queen is the second best drawing hand and if it is drawn suited it can win 20% of the time.
King-Queen – King-Queen is a strong drawing hand, especially when it’s suited. An Ace on the board is the only card that may decrease its chances.
Ace-Jack – Suited Ace-Jack is better for starting poker hands, but unsuited is still strong.
King-Jack – King-Jack is stronger suited than unsuited. It is playable, but should be folded to big raises.
Ace-Ten – Ace-ten has potential as strong starting poker hands, but should not be played too strong.
