HOLD'EM PRE-FLOP RANKINGS

Keep in mind there are many differing opinions to value of starting hands in Texas Hold’em. Rankings will vary according to table position and with the type of game. These rankings are a good starting point to develop your own personal rankings.

Tier 1- The best starting hands
• Ace-Ace
• King-King
• Ace-King suited
• Queen-Queen
• Jack-Jack

Tier 2- Other very strong starting hands
• Ace-Queen, Ace-Jack, Ace-10 all suited
• Ace-King
• King-Queen suited
• 10-10
• Ace-10, King-Jack, Queen-Jack, Jack-10 all suited
• Ace-Queen, Ace-Jack
• 9-9
• King-Queen
• King-10, Queen-10 suited

Tier 3- Hands that are playable in most positions but not as strong as the above.
• 8-8
• Jack-9 10-9 both suited
• 7-7
• 9-8,8-7 both suited
• Ace with any other suited card
• King-Jack, Queen-Jack, Jack-10

Tier 4- Decent hands best played sparingly and in late position

*Any low pair (e.g. pairs below 7)
*Connected suited card, such as 8-7,5-4,4-3
*Ace-10, King-10, Queen-10
*King-9, Jack-8 both suited

Any hand not mentioned is generally regard as a weak hand and should only be played in situations where you have an advantage on your opponent. Example: Late position with no callers against the blinds or against weak players.

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