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Starting Hand Requirements
Let's start with the Pocket cards: DON'T PLAY GARBAGE! The easiest
way to win is by playing good cards. Two cards that are high in rank
usually work well. Resist the urge to play one high card with a low "kicker"
(for example K,3 is not a good hand when someone else is holding K,10
or K,J). Suited connectors (example: 9,10 of spades) are great to play
because they have the potential to make a straight or a flush. I have
provided a list below that shows some recommended hands to play
before the flop in a ring game. Notice that the list takes into account
where you are sitting at the table. If you compare the difference between
the early and late position hands, you will realise just how important table
position is in a poker game. Remember that the list is ONLY A
GUIDELINE. There are many other factors that should also be taken into
consideration: playing a tournament, the number of players, looseness of
the table, etc.
*In the lists below an "X" means any ranked card that is of the same suit
as the previous card. Example: AX = an ace with any card that is of the
same suit as the ace.
Early Position
Pairs:
AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 1010, 99
Suited
AX, KQ, KJ, K10, J10, 109
Off-Suit
AK, AQ
Middle Position
Pairs:
ALL PAIRS
Suited
AX, KX, QJ, J10, 109, 98, 87
Off-Suit
AK, AQ, AJ, A10, KQ, KJ, QJ, J10, 910
Late Position
Pairs
ALL PAIRS
Suited
AX, KX, QX, J10, 109, 108, 98, 97, 87, 86, 76, 75, 65, 64, 54, 53, 43
Off-Suit
AK, AQ, AJ, A10, A9, KQ, KJ, K10, QJ, Q10, J10, J9, 109, 108, 98
