Best Starting Hands In Poker Ranked (Cheat Sheet Guide)

When playing poker, understanding the best starting hands can potentially give you an advantage in making strategic decisions. While poker is a game of skill and chance, knowing which hands are considered strong from the start may help improve your overall gameplay. 

In this 666Casino blog, we’ll rank some of the top starting hands in popular poker variants like Texas Hold’em, helping you recognise which combinations may offer the best opportunities. Whether you’re new to poker, or looking to refine your strategy, this guide will give you a clear understanding of starting hand rankings.

Best Poker Starting Hands Ranked In Order

Understanding the ranking of starting hands in Texas Hold’em is essential for making informed decisions at the table. While the strength of your hand can change as the game progresses, certain starting hands offer a stronger foundation. 

In this section, we’ll rank the best starting hands, from the top-rated Pocket Aces, to other combinations like suited connectors, giving you a clear idea of how each hand fares before the community cards are revealed. Knowing these rankings can help you navigate your strategy with greater confidence.

Pocket Aces (AA)

Pocket Aces are considered the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em. Having two Aces gives you a strong foundation and can boost your chances of success in the round considerably.

Pocket Kings (KK)

Following closely are Pocket Kings. Two Kings can dominate many hands, but always be cautious if an Ace appears on the board, as it may weaken your position.

Pocket Queens (QQ)

Pocket Queens are another strong hand. Similar to Kings, watch out for any Aces or Kings that might appear during the game, as they can pose a challenge.

Ace-King Suited (AKs)

Ace-King suited can be quite powerful, especially if it turns into a flush or straight. The suited aspect means there’s a chance to form a stronger hand.

Pocket Jacks (JJ)

Pocket Jacks are solid, but can be tricky to play. You may face challenges with higher cards, so careful reading of the board is key.

Pocket Tens (TT)

Pocket Tens offer a good position, though higher cards can affect your hand as the round progresses. Staying alert to the community cards is essential.

Ace-Queen Suited (AQs)

Ace-Queen suited gives you multiple opportunities to try and form strong hands like straights and flushes. It’s strong, but keep an eye on higher pair combinations.

Pocket Nines (99)

Pocket Nines are decent, but can be outplayed by higher pairs or community cards.

King-Queen Suited (KQs)

King-Queen suited adds value with the possibility of forming various strong combinations. These can be a good starting hand, but be cautious of Ace-high hands.

Ace-Jack Suited (AJs)

Ace-Jack suited offers great potential for creating strong hands, such as flushes or straights. However, it can be vulnerable to higher combinations like Ace-King or Ace-Queen, and also to suited connectors if they complete a straight or flush.

Worst Starting Hand In Poker

When it comes to poker, not all starting hands are created equal. Some can put you at a significant disadvantage right from the start.

7-2 Offsuit

The consensus among many poker players is that 7-2 offsuit is the weakest starting hand. The reason is simple: these cards are not only low, but also prevent easy straight or flush possibilities.

Low-Value Cards

Hands with low-value cards like 8-3 or 6-2, especially if they are off-suit, are typically poor starting hands. These combinations make it challenging to try and form strong hands on the board.

Offsuit Combinations

Offsuit combinations of low cards generally reduce the probability of making a flush. Hands like 9-4 offsuit are unlikely to improve during the game.

Gaps in Rank

Hands with gaps in rank, such as 10-4 or J-5, do not connect easily to form straights. 

When To Fold In Poker

Folding in poker can be a strategic decision and is often subjective. It depends on various factors, such as your hand, position, and the actions of other players.

Weak Starting Hands: If you have a weak starting hand, like 7-2 offsuit or low-value cards with large gaps in rank, folding early can often be the best course of action. This can potentially save you from risking too much on a hand unlikely to improve.

Unfavourable Board: As the community cards are revealed, you need to reassess your hand. If the board doesn’t complement your cards, it might be sensible to fold. For example, if you have low pocket pairs and face cards appear on the board, your hand’s value decreases.

Aggressive Opponents: Facing aggressive betting from other players can be a sign to consider folding, especially if your hand is not strong. Large bets generally indicate confidence in their hand, and calling or raising in this scenario can be risky.

Limited Outs: Evaluate your “outs,” or the cards that can potentially improve your hand. If there are very few outs available, folding might be the safer option. For instance, if you’re on a draw, but the cards needed are unlikely to appear, folding can conserve your chips.

Making the decision to fold is part of the strategic depth of poker. Understanding when to step back can help you conserve your resources for potentially more promising hands and opportunities.

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.