Poker Starting Hands
The first decision you make in a no-limit hold’em hand is whether or not to play the two cards you were dealt. Here is a ranking of poker starting hands to consider as a general guideline:
Tier 1: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, and AK
These are the best hands you can be dealt in Texas hold’em. You should virtually always play these cards regardless of what position you’re in.
Tier 2: 77-TT, AJ, AQ, KQ
These are solid hands that you will play almost always, but will sometimes be forced to fold preflop in the face of a lot of action.
Tier 3: 22-66, A8-AT, KJ, KT, QJ, QT, JT, T9ss
Sometimes these tier three hands can be great, other times you will fold them before the flop. It depends on what position you’re in (the later the better) and how much betting action has taken place.
Tier 4: A2-A7, suited connectors like 67, K9, Q9
Be cautious with these hands. They’re kind of like a fat chick when you’re drunk: it seems okay at the time but it’s not uncommon that you wind up regretting it. It’s okay to dabble around with a fat chick here and there, you just don’t want to marry her. Know what I mean?
Tier 5: Q8, J9, 98, semi-suited connectors like 68
Playing these hands is kind of like digging in the trash. Sure, maybe you’ll find a diamond ring someone accidentally threw out, but chances are you’ll just wind up getting dirty and coming out empty handed.
Tier 6: Garbage hands like Q3, T4, 72, 32, etc
These hands should be played in almost no circumstances. Fold and hope to be dealt something better on the next hand.