Best Starting Hands to Play in No-Limit Hold’em
When you’re sitting at the poker table, you want to make sure you’re playing the right cards at the right time. Knowing which starting hands to play is one of the most important things to master if you want to succeed in No Limit Hold’em (NLHE). In this fun, easy-to-follow guide, we’re going to walk you through the best hands to play, what factors to consider, and how to adjust your strategy depending on where you are at the table. Ready to become a starting hand pro? Let’s go!
The Best Starting Hands in No Limit Hold’em
We’re going to kick things off with the top 10 hands you’ll want to keep an eye out for. These are the heavy-hitters, the cream of the crop that you want to play every chance you get.
1. Pocket Aces (AA)
Ah, the golden ticket. Pocket Aces are the strongest starting hand you can get in No Limit Hold’em. They’re your best shot at winning pre-flop, so don’t be shy about betting big here!
2. Pocket Kings (KK)
Not as powerful as Aces, but still a pretty sweet hand. Pocket Kings are the second-best, and you’re still in a good position if you’ve got them. Just be cautious if an Ace shows up on the flop—things could get dicey.
3. Pocket Queens (QQ)
Pocket Queens are strong, but they can be vulnerable against higher cards on the board, like Kings or Aces. Still, it’s a great hand to play in most situations.
4. Pocket Jacks (JJ)
While Jacks are powerful, they can be a bit tricky post-flop, especially if there are overcards (cards higher than Jack) on the board. Play with care, but don’t fold just because you’re feeling a little nervous!
5. Ace-King Suited (AKs)
Known as “Big Slick”, Ace-King Suited is a beast of a hand. You’ve got the potential for high pairs, straight draws, and flush draws. It’s a super strong hand, especially if the Ace and King match suits.
6. Ace-Queen Suited (AQs)
This hand offers great potential for both strong pairs and flush possibilities. It’s a powerful hand, especially if you hit a good board post-flop.
7. King-Queen Suited (KQs)
This hand is great for making straights and flushes. You can be a little more flexible with this one, but it’s better suited for later positions when you have more information.
8. Ace-Jack Suited (AJs)
Ace-Jack Suited is similar to Ace-Queen but with a slightly lower kicker. It’s still a solid hand that can lead to flushes, straights, or a top pair if things go well.
9. Pocket Tens (TT)
Pocket Tens are a solid hand, but they can be a little vulnerable if the board shows overcards. However, they’re still a strong starting hand, and you can often win against lower pairs.
10. Ace-King Offsuit (AKo)
Although not as sexy as its suited counterpart, Ace-King Offsuit is still a powerful hand due to the high card strength. You’ll have fewer opportunities for flushes, but you can still snag top pairs and straight draws.
Additional Playable Hands
While the top 10 list is where you’ll want to focus most of your attention, there are some other hands you can play, depending on the situation.
- Suited Connectors:
Hands like 9♠8♠ or 7♦6♦ are perfect for multi-way pots. They’re great for chasing flushes and straights, and they can surprise your opponents if you hit the right combination. - Lower Pocket Pairs:
Hands like 22-99 are more speculative but can be fun to play when the situation is right. If you hit a set (three of a kind) on the flop, you can make a huge profit.
Key Factors Influencing Hand Selection
While knowing the best starting hands is essential, a great poker player also considers a few key factors before deciding which hand to play. These factors will help you adjust your strategy depending on the situation at the table.
1. Position: It’s All About Where You Sit
Your position at the table plays a huge role in deciding which hands to play. The closer you are to the dealer button, the more hands you can play. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Early Position: When you’re one of the first players to act, you should play tighter. Stick to premium hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AKs. You’re betting without knowing how others will act, so it’s best to play it safe.
- Middle Position: You can start to widen your range a bit here. Hands like AQs and KQs are playable in this position.
- Late Position: You have the most flexibility in late position because you can see how others are betting before making your move. Here, you can play a broader range, including suited connectors and even weaker aces.
2. Table Dynamics: The More the Merrier (or Not)
The number of players at the table affects your hand selection, too. If you’re playing a full-ring game with a lot of players, it’s better to be tight with your hand selection. But in a short-handed game, you can afford to loosen up and play more hands.
Also, pay attention to the players’ tendencies—if someone is playing tightly (only betting strong hands), you’ll want to tighten your range as well. If someone is playing loose (betting a lot), you can play a wider range of hands, focusing on value betting your strong hands.
3. Stack Sizes: How Big Is Your Bankroll?
Your stack size (how many chips you have) can also influence which hands you should play. If you have a deep stack, you have more room to play speculative hands, like suited connectors or lower pocket pairs, because you can afford to take risks.
But if your stack is short, it’s better to stick to more reliable, high-value hands that can win you a pot more reliably.
4. Game Type: Cash Games vs. Tournaments
The type of game you’re playing also impacts how you play your hands. In cash games, you can afford to be a little looser since you’re not playing for tournament survival. In tournaments, on the other hand, you’ll need to play more conservatively, especially in the early stages when the blinds are still low.
Final Thoughts
Starting hand selection in No Limit Hold’em isn’t about memorizing a set of rules—it’s about knowing which hands give you the best chance of success and adjusting your strategy based on the situation. By sticking to premium hands early, playing a wider range from late positions, and considering factors like stack size and table dynamics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a stronger player.
So, the next time you sit down at a table, remember: pick your battles, play those big hands aggressively, and adjust as you go. Happy playing!