Without a doubt, poker is one of the most popular casino games out there. No matter if we’re talking about modern land-based establishments, old-school saloons, or online platforms, this game of strategy is played worldwide. The main difference that poker has compared to many other casino favourites is that it requires skill and experience. If you haven’t mastered poker, your chances of beating skilled opponents are close to zero.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 hands to have in poker and what you should do if you land them. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the game of poker, keep reading.
Understanding Poker Hand Rankings
In poker, understanding the poker hands and their poker ranking is essential. The hierarchy of hands begins with high cards and progresses to rarer combinations like royal flushes and straight flushes. These rankings apply universally across poker variants. Knowing these rankings is vital for formulating your strategy, as the strength of your hand determines your betting actions. Moreover, your position on the poker table greatly affects how you play strong hands, with later positions offering more strategic flexibility.
Pocket Aces (AA): The Most Powerful Starting Hand
Pocket aces, also known as “rockets” or “bullets,” are the strongest starting hand in poker. They provide a massive pre-flop advantage, as no other hand statistically has better odds of winning. When you’re dealt pocket aces, it’s usually wise to play aggressively to build the pot while discouraging opponents from drawing hands. However, caution is necessary if the board develops a strong potential for straights or flushes, especially in multiway pots. Avoid slow playing, as it can allow weaker hands to improve and beat you.
Pocket Kings (KK): Dominant, But Watch Out for Aces
Pocket kings, or “cowboys,” are another premium hand, second only to pocket aces. They have excellent pre-flop equity and dominate most starting hands. However, their vulnerability arises when an ace appears on the flop, as it diminishes their strength significantly. To maximize value, raise aggressively on the pre-flop to thin the field and protect your kings. In post-flop play, keep an eye on your opponents’ actions, especially if the board shows high cards. Position can be crucial, as it allows you to control the pot and evaluate the strength of other players’ hands.
Pocket Queens (QQ): Strong Against Most Hands
Pocket queens, affectionately called “ladies,” are a formidable starting hand with high winning potential. They often dominate lower pairs and unpaired hands pre-flop. However, like kings, they can be vulnerable when higher cards like aces or kings appear on the board. To capitalize on queens, raise pre-flop to eliminate weaker hands and reduce the number of opponents. Post-flop, it’s important to assess the board texture and your opponents’ betting patterns. If the board is low, queens can often hold strong, but cautious play is needed when overcards appear.
Ace-King Suited (AKs): The Royal Flush Potential
Ace-King suited, often referred to as “Big Slick,” is a powerful drawing hand with excellent potential. While it isn’t a made hand pre-flop, it provides numerous post-flop opportunities, including top pair, straights, and flushes. AKs is particularly valuable because of its royal flush potential—the highest possible hand in poker. Aggressive play pre-flop is generally recommended to build the pot and take control of the action. Post-flop, hitting an ace or king on the board makes this hand incredibly strong, while missed flops may require careful bluffing or folding depending on the situation.
Pocket Jacks (JJ): Powerful But Tricky
Pocket jacks, known as “hooks” or “fishhooks,” are a solid hand but can be challenging to play effectively. They rank well pre-flop but often face overcards (aces, kings, or queens) on the flop, which can weaken their standing. To get the most value, raise pre-flop to thin the field and avoid multiway pots where their strength diminishes. Post-flop, play carefully when overcards appear, as these could significantly impact your hand’s likelihood of winning. Understanding opponent tendencies and betting patterns is crucial for maximizing the value of pocket jacks.
Ace-Queen Suited (AQs): A High-Potential Hand
Ace-Queen suited is a versatile hand with great drawing potential. It combines the power of high-ranking cards with the chance to hit flushes or straights. AQs performs well in late position, allowing you to see how the table acts before committing to the pot. Pre-flop aggression is often rewarded, but be cautious against raises from tighter players, as they may have premium hands like AK or pocket pairs. Post-flop, hitting an ace or queen gives you top pair with a strong kicker, making it a highly playable hand in various scenarios.
King-Queen Suited (KQs): Balanced and Playable in Most Situations
King-Queen suited is a well-rounded hand that offers numerous opportunities for strong post-flop plays, including straights and flushes. It’s particularly effective in late position, where you can control the pot size and exploit weaker hands. KQs is best played with moderate aggression pre-flop, especially when facing limpers or weak raises. Post-flop, it’s crucial to evaluate the board texture, as hitting a king or queen often gives you a strong hand. However, be mindful of potential overcards or coordinated boards that could lead to stronger hands from opponents.
Pocket Tens (TT): Strong But Requires Careful Play
Pocket tens are a robust starting hand, providing a solid chance of winning pre-flop and on low boards. However, their vulnerability lies in the presence of higher cards on the flop, which can easily outdraw them. To maximize their potential, raise pre-flop to isolate opponents and avoid multiway pots. In post-flop play, tens excel on dry, low-card boards. However, if overcards appear, be prepared to adjust your strategy, potentially shifting to a more defensive playstyle depending on your opponents’ actions.
Ace-Jack Suited (AJs): A High Upside Drawing Hand
Ace-Jack suited is a strong drawing hand that can yield big payouts through straights and flushes. It’s a versatile hand that performs well in both aggressive and conservative playstyles. AJs benefits greatly from position, allowing you to control the pot and make better decisions based on opponents’ actions. When played aggressively, AJs can force folds from weaker hands. Post-flop, hitting top pair with an ace or completing a flush or straight significantly enhances its value. However, caution is advised when facing heavy pre-flop aggression from opponents.
Conclusion
Mastering the top 10 poker hands can significantly elevate your gameplay, providing the foundation for smart decisions and profitable strategies. Whether you’re playing at a live poker table or trying your luck with online games, understanding these hands will give you a strategic edge. Practice poker on platforms like Unibet UK, where promotions and tournaments provide an ideal environment to hone your skills and win big.
