Starting Hands
Notation describes two starting cards: pairs use one rank, “s” means suited, and “o” means offsuit. Playability still depends on position and prior action.
What you will be able to do
- Read pair, suited and offsuit notation.
- Classify exact hole cards into a starting-hand class.
- Include position and prior action when discussing playability.
COMPARE THE STATE
Read your first two cards
START WITH THE STRONGEST HANDS
Premium starting hands
Starting hands are not equally strong. These are approximate preflop all-in equities against one opponent holding any two random cards (ATC).
This is not a “play these every time” chart. Position, prior action, number of opponents and stack depth still change the decision.
Classify the cards
The suits match. Which class is this?
Choose an answer from the cards.
ONE THING TO REMEMBER
A strong starting hand can become a weak postflop hand. AKs is one of the best starting hands, but if it misses the flop, it may be only ace-high. Do not stay attached to a hand just because it was strong before the flop.
TRY IT
This is a 1-question test. Start when you are ready.