Best Starting Hands in Poker & Rankings Chart for Maximum Points

The online poker game consists mainly of information about the best poker hands. If you know deeply about the game, it would definitely help you to grow and win big. So, if you want to brush it even more with double the enthusiasm for winning and enjoying. You would definitely have a rough idea about the online poker game, even if you are a newbie! So, let this information help you with what you want to achieve in the game.

There are strategies and tricks involved to make your winning hand. So, get to know more about the best poker hands, poker hands chart and poker pairs with poker hand rankings. Basically, it would help you to learn the fundamental ideas about the game. Gear up and be in action with this incredible game to play and win money online.

What are Poker Hands?

In poker, understanding the hierarchy of hands is crucial for success. Each hand’s rank determines its strength and potential to win against others. Here’s a comprehensive overview of poker hand rankings, from the highest to the lowest:​

1. Royal Flush

• Description: The highest possible hand, consisting of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit.​
• Example: A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠​
• Probability: Extremely rare, with odds of approximately 1 in 649,740.​

2. Straight Flush

• Description: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.​
• Example: 9♦ 8♦ 7♦ 6♦ 5♦​
• Probability: Odds are about 1 in 72,193.​

3. Four of a Kind (Quads)

• Description: Four cards of the same rank.​
• Example: K♣ K♦ K♥ K♠ 3♠​
• Probability: Occurs approximately 1 in 4,165 hands.​

4. Full House

• Description: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.​
• Example: Q♠ Q♥ Q♦ 7♣ 7♠​
• Probability: Odds are about 1 in 694.​

5. Flush

• Description: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.​
• Example: A♣ J♣ 8♣ 5♣ 2♣​
• Probability: Occurs approximately 1 in 509 hands.​

6. Straight

• Description: Five consecutive cards of different suits.​
• Example: 10♠ 9♣ 8♦ 7♥ 6♠​
• Probability: Odds are about 1 in 255.​

7. Three of a Kind (Trips or Set)

• Description: Three cards of the same rank.​
• Example: 8♠ 8♦ 8♣ K♠ 4♣​
• Probability: Occurs approximately 1 in 47 hands.​

8. Two Pair

• Description: Two different pairs.​
• Example: J♥ J♠ 4♣ 4♦ 9♠​
• Probability: Odds are about 1 in 21.​

9. One Pair

• Description: Two cards of the same rank.​
• Example: 10♠ 10♦ 6♣ 4♠ 2♥​
• Probability: Occurs approximately 1 in 2.36 hands.​

10. High Card

• Description: When no other hand is made, the highest card plays.​
• Example: K♠ 10♦ 8♣ 5♥ 3♠​
• Probability: Most common outcome when no pairs or higher combinations are formed.​

Understanding these rankings is fundamental for making strategic decisions during a hand poker game. Recognizing the strength of your hand relative to potential opponents’ hands allows for better judgment in betting, calling, or folding.​

Probability plays a significant role in poker. For instance, the rarity of a Royal Flush makes it the most coveted hand, while hands like One Pair or High Card occur more frequently. Being aware of these probabilities aids in assessing the risk and potential reward of each hand.​

For beginners, familiarizing oneself with a poker starting hands chart can be beneficial. This chart outlines which hands are optimal to play from various positions at the table, helping to develop a solid pre-flop strategy. Over time, as you gain experience, you’ll recognize which poker combinations are most playable and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Poker Hands Ranking Chart

Rank	Hand Name	Example	Probability	Combinations	Description
1	Royal Flush	10 ♥ J ♥ Q ♥ K ♥ A ♥	30,939 to 1	4	A Royal Flush is made out of 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, all of the same suit.
2	Straight Flush	♠ 5 ♠ 6 ♠ 7 ♠ 8 ♠ 9	3,437.8 to 1	36	A Straight Flush is five cards in a row, all in the same suit.
3	Four of a Kind	♦ 7 ♠ 7 ♣ 7 ♥ 7 ♠ K	594 to 1	624	Four of a Kind is the same card in each of the four suits.
4	Full House	♠ K ♦ K ♥ K ♣ 3 ♦ 3	37.5 to 1	3,744	A Full House is a pair plus three of a kind in the same hand.
5	Flush	♠ 2 ♠ 6 ♠ 8 ♠ Q ♠ K	32.1 to 1	5,108	A Flush is five cards in the same suit, not in numerical order.
6	Straight	♣ 6 ♦ 7 ♠ 8 ♥ 9 ♦ 10	20.6 to 1	10,200	A Straight is five cards in numerical order, but not in the same suit.
7	Three of a Kind	♠ K ♦ K ♣ K ♣ 4 ♠ 8	19.7 to 1	54,912	Three of a Kind is three of one card and two non-paired cards.
8	Two Pair	♣ 4 ♦ 4 ♥ A ♠ A ♦ 6	3.26 to 1	123,552	Two Pair is two different pairings of the same card in one hand.
9	One Pair	♠ 5 ♦ 5 ♣ 8 ♥ J ♦ K	1.28 to 1	1,098,240	One Pair is a pairing of the same card.
10	High Card	♣ 2 ♦ 6 ♠ 9 ♥ J ♠ A	4.74 to 1	1,302,540	A High Card refers to a hand with no matching cards.

In the hand poker game, understanding poker hands and their rankings is essential to formulating a winning strategy. Poker rankings determine the strength of a player’s hand, influencing the game’s outcome. Below is the poker hands ranking, from highest to lowest:

Poker Hands and Ranks (Highest to Lowest)

1. Royal Flush

The strongest of all poker combinations, a Royal Flush consists of A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit. This is the rarest and best possible hand in poker.

2. Straight Flush

A Straight Flush includes five consecutive cards of the same suit but without an Ace-high combination. For example, 7♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠.

3. Four of a Kind

Also known as “Quads,” this hand contains four cards of the same rank plus one additional card. For instance, 4♣ 4♦ 4♥ 4♠ 9♠.

4. Full House

A Full House consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. Example: K♠ K♦ K♥ 7♣ 7♠. When multiple players have a Full House, the one with the higher three-of-a-kind wins.

5. Flush

A Flush is when a player has five cards of the same suit but not in sequence, like A♣ 10♣ 8♣ 6♣ 2♣.

6. Straight

A Straight contains five consecutive cards of different suits. Example: 5♦ 6♣ 7♠ 8♥ 9♠.

7. Three of a Kind

Also called “Trips” or “Set,” this hand has three cards of the same rank plus two unrelated cards. Example: 8♠ 8♦ 8♣ Q♥ 2♠.

8. Two Pair

A hand with two pairs of cards of the same rank plus an extra high card. Example: J♦ J♣ 5♠ 5♥ K♦.

9. One Pair

A pair consists of two cards of the same rank, like 10♥ 10♠ 7♣ 3♦ 2♠.

10. High Card

When no other hand is made, the highest single card determines the winner. Example: A♠ 9♦ 6♣ 3♥ 2♠, where Ace is the highest card.

Also Read: Most Common Type Of Poker Games Played In India

Poker Rank Chart and Poker Probability

A poker rank chart can help players quickly identify their hand strength. Here’s a quick poker starting hands chart with probabilities:

Poker Hand	Probability
Royal Flush	1 in 649,740
Straight Flush	1 in 72,193
Four of a Kind	1 in 4,165
Full House	1 in 694
Flush	1 in 509
Straight	1 in 255
Three of a Kind	1 in 47
Two Pair	1 in 21
One Pair	1 in 2.36
High Card	Most Common

Poker Starting Hands and Poker Playable Hands

Having a solid poker starting hands chart helps determine which hands are worth playing. The best starting hands include AA, KK, QQ, AK suited, and JJ. Mid-tier hands like 10-10, 9-9, and 8-8 can also be playable under certain circumstances.

Poker and Probability: Hi, Lo, and Hi-Lo Games

• Hi Games: The highest-ranking hand wins.
• Lo Games: The lowest-ranking hand wins (e.g., Ace-2-3-4-5 in some formats).
• Hi-Lo Games: The best high and low hands split the pot.

Betting Rounds in Poker

Poker involves betting rounds where players can bet, raise, call, or fold based on their hand strength and their assessment of other players’ hands. The most common variants are:

• Texas Hold’em: Players are dealt two private cards (hole cards) and five community cards are dealt face-up on the table. Players use a combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best hand.
• Omaha: Similar to Texas Hold’em, but players are dealt four private cards and must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to form their hand.
• Seven-Card Stud: Players are dealt a combination of face-up and face-down cards over several betting rounds, with the goal of making the best five-card hand.

Bluffing in Poker:

Bluffing is a key element of poker, where players make strategic bets or raises to deceive opponents into thinking they have a stronger hand than they actually do. Successful bluffing requires reading opponents’ tendencies and betting patterns.

Pot in Poker:

The pot is the total amount of chips or money wagered during a hand. The winner of the hand takes the pot.

Showdown in Poker:

If more than one player remains in the hand after the final betting round, a showdown occurs where players reveal their hands, and the best hand according to the hand rankings wins the pot.

Also Read: Common Pitfalls to Avoid as a Beginner Poker Player

Which Card Combination is Stronger than others?

In Texas Hold’em, which is one of the most popular variants of poker, the strength of your starting hand can significantly impact your chances of winning the pot. As winning is the sole reason we need to get the first step right. Let’s consider the starting hand in Poker.

1- Pocket Aces (Ace-Ace, AA):

This is widely considered the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em. Having two aces gives you a strong chance of winning before the flop, although the strength of your hand can diminish depending on community cards.

2- Pocket Kings (King-King, KK):

Known as “cowboys,” pocket kings are extremely strong pre-flop. However, they can be vulnerable to aces if an opponent has pocket aces.

3- Pocket Queens (Queen-Queen, QQ):

Pocket queens are also a powerful starting hand, often referred to as “ladies.” They are strong against most hands but can be cautious if an opponent has aces, kings, or ace-king.

4- Ace-King Suited (AKs):

Ace-King suited is a premium starting hand as it has the potential to make strong hands like straight, flush, or top pair with a strong kicker. It’s important to note that unsuited Ace-King (AK) is slightly weaker but still a strong hand.

5- Pocket Jacks (Jack-Jack, JJ):

Pocket jacks are considered strong pre-flop, but they can be vulnerable to overcards on the flop. They are sometimes referred to as “hooks.”

6- Ace-Queen Suited (AQs):

Ace-Queen suited is a strong starting hand that can make top pair with a strong kicker or a flush if suited. However, it can be dominated by hands like Ace-King and Ace-Queen offsuit (AQ).

7- Pocket Tens (10-10, TT):

Pocket tens are a solid starting hand but can be cautious if faced with overcards on the flop.

8- King-Queen Suited (KQs):

King-Queen suited is a playable hand that can make strong hands like top pair, straight, or flush if suited. However, it’s important to be cautious of stronger hands like Ace-King and Ace-Queen.

The strength of your starting hand is not the only factor in poker. Position, table dynamics, stack sizes, and opponents’ tendencies also play crucial roles in determining your overall strategy and decision-making during a hand.

Read More: Trash Hands in Online Poker

Importance of Starting Hand in Poker

Starting hands serve as the cornerstone of your poker strategy, guiding your decisions, managing risk, and influencing your overall approach to each hand. Understanding the importance of starting hands and knowing how to play them effectively is fundamental to becoming a successful and profitable poker player. Starting hands play a crucial role in poker, especially in games like Texas Hold’em, and their importance cannot be overstated.

1- Foundation of Strategy:

Your starting hand determines the foundation of your strategy for a particular hand. Strong starting hands like pocket aces or kings allow you to play aggressively and confidently, while weaker hands may require a more cautious approach or even folding.

2- Potentially Dominant Positions:

Certain starting hands give you a significant advantage over opponents with weaker holdings. For example, having pocket aces against someone with a lower pair means you’re in a dominant position pre-flop.

3- Risk Management:

Starting hands help you manage risk by guiding your decisions on whether to enter a hand, raise, call, or fold. Playing strong starting hands increases your chances of winning and reduces the risk of losing chips unnecessarily.

4- Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Starting with a strong hand reduces the likelihood of making costly mistakes, such as chasing draws with weak hands or getting trapped in unfavourable situations against stronger holdings.

5- Psychological Edge:

Holding strong starting hands can give you a psychological edge over opponents. Players may be more cautious or intimidated when facing strong hands, leading to potential opportunities for you to capitalise on their hesitation.

6- Setting the Tone:

Your starting hand can set the tone for how the hand will progress. Aggressive play with strong starting hands can intimidate opponents and give you control of the action, while passive play with weaker hands may lead to being pushed around by more assertive players.

7- Maximising Profit:

Playing strong starting hands increases your chances of winning pots, especially when you hit favourable flops, turns, or rivers. This can lead to maximising your profit in the long run, as strong starting hands tend to win more often.

8- Adapting to Opponents:

Starting hands also help you adapt to different opponents’ playing styles. Against tight players, you may play more aggressively with strong hands, while against loose players, you may adjust your starting hand requirements and exploit their tendencies.

Best Starting Poker Hands

In poker, particularly in Texas Hold’em, starting hands play a crucial role in determining your overall strategy and potential success in a hand. Here is a breakdown of different categories of starting hands based on their relative strength and typical playability:

1- Premium Hands:

• Pocket Aces (AA): Considered the best starting hand in poker, extremely strong pre-flop.
• Pocket Kings (KK): Very strong hand, but vulnerable to aces.
• Pocket Queens (QQ): Another strong hand, can be cautious against higher pairs.
• Ace-King Suited (AKs): Strong hand that can make top pair, flushes, or straights.
• Ace-Queen Suited (AQs): Playable hand with potential for top pair or strong draws.
• Pocket Jacks (JJ): Strong hand but can be vulnerable to overcards on the flop.

2- Strong Hands:

• Ace-King Offsuit (AK): Still a strong hand but slightly weaker than suited AK.
• Pocket Tens (TT): Solid hand that can make strong pairs or sets.
• Ace-Queen Offsuit (AQ): Playable hand with decent potential, but be cautious against stronger hands.
• King-Queen Suited (KQs): Playable hand with potential for top pair or flushes.

3- Playable Hands:

• Pocket Nines (99) to Pocket Sixes (66): These hands can be playable depending on position and table dynamics.
• Suited Connectors (e.g., 98s, 76s): Hands with potential to make straights or flushes.
• Suited Aces (e.g., A9s, A8s): Can be playable for flush and straight possibilities.

4- Marginal Hands:

• Ace-X Offsuit (e.g., A9o, A8o): Marginal hands that can be playable in certain situations but often require caution.
• Suited One-Gappers (e.g., 75s, 43s): Hands with limited straight or flush possibilities.

5- Weak Hands:

• Suited Two-Gappers (e.g., 64s, 32s): Limited potential for strong hands, generally weak.
• Offsuit Connectors (e.g., 97o, 54o): Weak hands with limited playability.

6- Trash Hands:

• Unsuited and disconnected low cards (e.g., 72o, 43o): Generally not playable and should be folded in most situations.

We can say that the playability of starting hands can vary based on factors such as your position at the table, stack sizes, opponents’ tendencies, and the stage of the tournament or cash game. Additionally, your skill level and ability to read opponents will influence how you play different starting hands effectively. Adjust your strategy accordingly and consider seeking advice from experienced players or studying poker resources to improve your starting hand selection and overall game.

Also Read: How to Play Heads-Up Poker: Rules, Strategies of Heads-Up Poker

Worst Hands in Poker: Understanding the Hands You Should Avoid

In the hand poker game, knowing which hands to play and which to fold is crucial. While most players focus on the best poker hands, it’s equally important to recognize the worst hands in poker—those with low winning probabilities that can lead to big losses.

Understanding Poker Hands and Ranks

Poker follows a poker hands ranking system, where different hand combinations determine the strength of a player’s cards. The poker hands chart helps players identify strong and weak hands based on their value in a game.

Worst Hands in Poker

Here are some of the worst poker starting hands based on poker rankings and poker and probability calculations:

1. 2-7 Offsuit
   • Considered the weakest starting hand in poker.
   • Lacks potential for poker combinations like straights or flushes.
   • Even if a pair forms, it’s a low-ranked one, making it easy to beat.
2. 2-8 Offsuit
   • Similar to 2-7, but slightly better if an 8 pairs.
   • Still a weak hand with poor straight or flush possibilities.
3. 3-7 Offsuit
   • Low-ranking numbers make this a bad choice.
   • Unlikely to form a strong poker playable hand.
4. 2-6 Offsuit
   • No real potential for a straight or a high pair.
   • Even if a flush forms, it’s usually a weak one.
5. 4-9 Offsuit
   • A deceptive hand that looks better than it is.
   • Weak against high pairs and difficult to improve.
6. 5-10 Offsuit
   • No strong pair potential and doesn’t connect for a straight easily.
7. J-2 Offsuit (Jack-Deuce)
   • The “Jack and Trash” hand—often a trap for inexperienced players.
   • Even a paired Jack is not strong enough against most poker starting hands chart rankings.

Why Are These Hands Considered Weak?

• They have a low probability of forming a strong poker hand.
• They struggle to make competitive poker combinations like straights or flushes.
• Opponents with higher-ranked hands in the poker rank chart have better winning chances.

Poker Hands Probability: Understanding Your Chances of Winning

In a hand poker game, success depends on both skill and probability. Knowing the likelihood of forming different poker hands helps players make informed decisions. Understanding poker and probability is crucial in mastering poker rankings and maximizing your winnings.

Understanding Poker Hands and Probability

Poker follows a poker hands ranking system that categorizes hands based on their strength. The poker rank chart and poker hands chart help players determine which hands to play and which to fold.

Each hand in poker has a specific probability of being dealt, influencing strategy in both cash games and tournaments.

Poker Hands Probability Chart

Here’s the probability of being dealt different hands in a standard 52-card deck:

Poker Hand	Probability (%)	Odds (1 in X Hands)
Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)	0.00015%	649,740
Straight Flush (Five consecutive cards, same suit)	0.00139%	72,192
Four of a Kind (Four same-rank cards)	0.02401%	4,165
Full House (Three of a kind + a pair)	0.1441%	693
Flush (Five same-suit cards, not consecutive)	0.1965%	508
Straight (Five consecutive cards, any suit)	0.3925%	254
Three of a Kind	2.1128%	47.3
Two Pair	4.7539%	21.0
One Pair	42.2569%	2.37
High Card (No pair, just highest card value)	50.1177%	1.99

How Probability Affects Poker Strategy?

1. Poker Starting Hands Probability
   • Not all poker starting hands are equal.
   • Hands like Aces (AA) and Kings (KK) have the highest probability of winning.
   • The poker starting hands chart helps players decide when to play or fold.
2. Poker Combinations and Playable Hands
   • Best poker hands have a lower probability but higher win potential.
   • Poker playable hands are those with reasonable winning chances based on position and betting strategy.
3. Using the Poker Hands Chart for Decision Making
   • Knowing the odds of forming certain hands helps in betting wisely.
   • Players with a poker rank chart reference can adjust their playstyle accordingly.

Best Starting Hand in Poker

Understanding the nuances of poker starting hands is essential for success in the game. Key factors such as the strength of a poker hand, the value of suited hands and pocket pair, and the dynamics of online poker play a significant role in shaping strategic decisions. Suited cards add potential for flushes and straights, while pocket pairs offer strong starting points for building strong hands. Online poker introduces unique challenges and opportunities, requiring players to adapt their starting hand selection based on factors like table position, opponent tendencies, and stack sizes. By mastering the art of evaluating starting hands effectively, players can enhance their overall poker skills and increase their chances of winning in various poker formats.

Also Read: What Are Poker Blinds? Blinds in Poker Explained

Best Starting Hand in Poker Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- What are the best starting hands in poker?

The best starting hands in poker are generally considered to be pocket aces (AA), pocket kings (KK), and pocket queens (QQ). Ace-King suited (AKs) and Ace-Queen suited (AQs) are also strong starting hands.

2- Should I always play premium starting hands?

While premium starting hands like pocket aces and kings are strong, it’s not advisable to play them blindly in every situation. Factors such as position, opponents’ tendencies, and stack sizes should also be considered before deciding whether to play a hand.

3- What are some playable hands in poker?

Playable hands in poker include pocket pairs like tens (TT) or nines (99), suited connectors (e.g., 98s, 76s), suited aces (e.g., A9s, A8s), and suited one-gappers (e.g., 75s, 43s). These hands have the potential to make strong hands like straights, flushes, or top pairs.

4- How do I know which starting hands to play?

Knowing which starting hands to play depends on various factors such as your position at the table, the stage of the game (early, middle, or late), your opponents’ playing styles, and your own skill level. Generally, you should play stronger hands in early positions and loosen up in later positions.

5- What are some common mistakes players make with starting hands?

Common mistakes include playing too many hands, especially weak or marginal hands, out of position; overvaluing certain hands like Ace-Queen offsuit (AQ) in early positions; and failing to adjust hand selection based on changing game dynamics.

6- How important is position when considering starting hands?

Position is crucial when evaluating starting hands. Strong hands play better in late position as you have more information about opponents’ actions, while weaker hands should be played cautiously in early position to avoid being out of position post-flop.

7- Where can I learn more about starting hands and poker strategy?

There are many resources available to learn about starting hands and poker strategy, including books, online courses, forums, and video tutorials. Additionally, practising and gaining experience by playing poker regularly can improve your understanding of starting hand selection and overall gameplay.

8. What are poker hands in order?

Poker follows a poker hands ranking system that determines the strength of a hand in a hand poker game. The order from highest to lowest is:

1. Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)
2. Straight Flush (Five consecutive cards of the same suit)
3. Four of a Kind (Four cards of the same rank)
4. Full House (Three of a kind + a pair)
5. Flush (Five same-suit cards, not in sequence)
6. Straight (Five consecutive cards, different suits)
7. Three of a Kind (Three cards of the same rank)
8. Two Pair (Two different pairs)
9. One Pair (One pair of the same rank)
10. High Card (No combination, highest card wins)

9. What is 4 of a kind in poker?

A Four of a Kind is a poker hand where you have four cards of the same rank (e.g., 9♠ 9♦ 9♣ 9♥). It is one of the strongest poker combinations and ranks above a Full House but below a Straight Flush in the poker hands chart.

10. What is meant by poker hand?

A poker hand refers to the five cards a player holds in a hand poker game. The value of a hand is determined by the poker hands ranking, and players aim to form the best possible hand using poker and probability strategies.

11. Is Ace the highest card in poker?

Yes, in most poker hands and ranks, the Ace is the highest card. However, it can also act as the lowest card when forming a straight (e.g., A-2-3-4-5).

12. What happens in the event of a tie?

• If two players have the same poker hand, the winner is determined by the poker rank chart.
• For hands like One Pair, Two Pair, or Three of a Kind, the highest kicker (the next highest card) decides the winner.
• If there’s a complete tie, the pot is split equally.

13. Why is Flush ranked higher than a Straight?

A Flush (five cards of the same suit) is ranked higher than a Straight (five consecutive cards) because poker and probability calculations show that forming a Flush is statistically less likely than making a Straight.

14. Does Four of a Kind beat a Royal Flush?

No, a Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit) is the highest poker hands ranking and beats Four of a Kind in all cases.

15. Does Straight Flush beat every other combination?

A Straight Flush beats every hand except a Royal Flush. It ranks second in the poker rank chart.

16. What is the best hand in poker?

The best poker hand is a Royal Flush, consisting of A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit. It is the rarest and strongest poker combination in any hand poker game.

17. What is the worst hand in poker?

The worst poker starting hand is 2-7 offsuit because it has almost no potential to form a strong poker playable hand based on poker starting hands chart probabilities.

18. What is the ranking order of poker hands?

The poker hands chart ranks hands from strongest to weakest:

1. Royal Flush
2. Straight Flush
3. Four of a Kind
4. Full House
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three of a Kind
8. Two Pair
9. One Pair
10. High Card

19. What’s the highest suit in poker?

Poker does not have suit rankings for determining the winner. However, in some variations, a ranking order (Spades > Hearts > Diamonds > Clubs) may be used for breaking ties in rare cases.