Texas Holdem Starting Hands - An Introduction

Texas Holdem starting hands are an important thing to know regardless of the level of player you are. A number of the top players are still surprised at how so few players still dont know their Texas Holdem starting hands tables. If you manage to learn these hands and know them backwards, chances are that you will be ahead of atleast 50% of the other players at the table. Below is a explanation of the 169 possible two card texas holdem starting hands. Its important to note that out of these hands, usually there are only 75 or so that are actually worth playing.

		Known to be the best possible starting hand in Texas Holdem
		KK -are known to be the second best starting hands
		QQ - not as strong as KK but still a very good Texas Holdem starting hand

		JJ - Very strong cards that can be played not just from early position
		AK suited - Usually you should raise. This hand is referred to as "Bigslick"
		1010 - Also a strong hand to play from any position

		AQ suited - offering strong flush and straight possibilities
		AJ suited - also offers strong possibilities of hitting a flush or straight
		AK unsuited - if you are in early position, generally speaking you would call

		KQ suited - Also a hand to consider playing when you are in early position
		A10 suited - Similar to KQ suited, this hand will usually be played in early position
		KJ unsuited - Offers a relatively strong possiblity of hitting a straight

		AQ unsuited - mainly because they are high cards. Most players would consider playing these cards
		Pocket 9’s - not a very strong pair to have. Playing this pair will depend on your position on the board.
		QJ suited - Offers strong flush and straight potential

		K10 - This hand can usually be played from most positions on the table
		Pocket 8’s - thought to be an average pair to start with. Be cautious here
		Q10 suited - As long as you are in early position you can play this hand

		A9 suited - These cards cannot give you a straigh and should only be played from middle position
		AJ unsuited - Good cards to play in early position
		J10 suited - Known as an opn ended straight possibility

		KQ unsuited - Are not the most amazing cards but can be played when you are in early position
		A8 suited - This hand cannot create a straight so be very weary of when you decide to play this hand
		A10 - Known to be a decent hand you can bluff with

				If the game you are playing is not that tight, these hands can be played when you have early position.

				Depending on how lose the game is will determine if you will play these hands.

				Only playable if you are in the small blind and no other players have raised.

				These hands are not worth playing at all. Usually most players would throw these cards.