The best starting hands in Texas holdem poker – Part 7

Don’t be deceived by this title as, although it is a given that AA is an excellent starting hand, everything in poker is dependent on position and situation. Let this article be a short word of advice so you can go and explore the real intricacies of Hold ‘Em, as I am trying to.

My main example is from a recent tourney I was in. I reached the final table out of nearly 500 people, I didn’t win much but it was an achievement of sorts. The most important hand in those hours of play wasn’t me doubling up with an ace flush, but me dropping QQ pre-flop.

You all can work out a pocket pair is a great start as you have a made hand and a chance to make a set. In this situation I was in early position as the 2nd chip leader on the table and I made a raise to 2.5 the Big Blind to hopefully be called by KQ, KA or a lower Pocket Pair (meeting KK or AA is a chance you have to take with QQ). A shortish stack raised all-in, perfect for me! I was sure all would fold and I’d call and probably be in good shape. But…

..the big blind, the chip leader therefore covering me, pushed all-in! Then the guy who called Under The Gun raised all-in with his mid-sized stack.

What am I up against? 3 hands to beat over the course of 5 cards – it’s a crap-shoot that could easily cost me half my stack or all of it. I imagine there’s 1010, AK and maybe 99. so any 9, 10, K or A puts me in terrible shape AND with the big stack pushing everything when a quarter of his stack would suffice, suddenly KK or AA is a possibility.

I folded. And although I wouldn’t have folded AA it would have been a smart play as you have 3 players drawing to you with your whole stack on the line.

The players showed their cards – 88, AK and JJ – the flop is a killer K J K, then 2 and finally 6! AK wins and I’m still alive.

At the same time, you can’t only play big hands – no one will call you. If you can get in cheap, suited connectors in late position, J10 or Ace-Rag are all viable. Let a flop come out and see what you can do. If someone raised weakly maybe they’re on KJ or 22. If cards like 5, 7, 10 come down – why not try and outplay someone if you have a good read? Even better, by playing these ’smallball’ hands, if you flop a set with 34 you have a perfect disguise, someone slow playing KK will get a shock and you will double.

All these plays are about control, your read on your opponents and your position. Of the poor hands, you need to lay them down most of the time. But, if/when you do get caught stealing/bluffing, then is the perfect time to just play the big hands, and play them for value. You will now get called!

And, just as a reminder these are: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 1010, AK, 99, AQ, 88, 77, KQ

Good luck at the tables!