One of the keys to being a strong Texas Hold ‘Em Poker player is to understand the strength of the starting hands, also known as hole cards. Let’s begin the analysis by examining the top 10 best starting hands for Texas Holdem.
1. Ace-Ace
A pair of aces, also known as “pocket rockets”,“American Airlines”, and “bullets”. This the best starting hand in No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em.
2. King-King
Pocket Kings come in at number two, also known as “cowboys” or “King Kong.” Practically speaking, these should be played the same way preflop as pocket Aces, since the likelihood of another payer holding Aces is 1/24.
3. Queen-Queen
Pocket queens, also known as “ladies,” rounds out the top three best starting hands for Texas Holdem Poker.
4. Ace-King (suited)
Suited ace-king, also known as “big slick,” is the fourth best starting hand for Texas Hold ‘Em. Some players would rank this particular hand higher than queens, but queens win against AK a little more than half the time heads-up.
5. Ace-Queen (suited)
The suited “big chick,” “little slick,” or “not so slick” are among the few nicks given ace-queen. Some professional players are reluctant to play even this hand.
5. Jack-Jack
A pair of jacks — also known as “hooks” or “fishhooks” — checks in at number six on my list.
6. Ace-Queen (suited)
The suited “big chick,” “little slick,” or “not so slick” are among the few nicks given ace-queen. Some professional players are reluctant to play even this hand.
7. King-Queen (suited)
A suited king-queen, one of the most misplayed drawing hands is number seven on the list of Texas Hold ‘Em Poker’s most powerful starting hands.
8. Ace-Jack (suited)
Nicknamed “blackjack” for obvious reasons, and sometimes called “ajax,” because it can clean your –or your opponents– bankroll, ranks eighth.
9. Ace-King (offsuit)
Only one offsuit drwaing hand makes it to the top 10 most powerful starting hands for Texas Holdem Poker — the “big slick,” an ace-king.
10. 10-10
Tens (aka “dimes”) rounds up the list.
Please note that these hand ranks are, in essence, arbitrary, and it really depends on part on your skill level and style of play.
Remember: they’re just starting hands. Their strength can easily change after the five community cards fall the wrong way. Don’t believe me?
Have you ever seen a pair of Aces get cracked by pocket sixes? Check out this video where Phil Ivey is doing just that!