Best Poker Hands to Play Pre Flop

Success in poker depends on making the right decisions at the right time. These decisions start even before the first community cards land on the table.

You must select the best starting hands pre-flop if you want to lay the foundation of a winning poker game. Starting hands are the two hole cards in games like Texas Hold ’em poker.

Playing too many weak hands can result in losing unnecessary chips. Folding too often can also lead to missing golden opportunities.

Therefore, you must choose your poker hands wisely to set yourself up for success.

In this guide, we explore the best poker hands to play pre-flop. We’ll also discuss hand-selection strategies and uncover the factors that separate casual players from seasoned pros.

Let’s dive in.

What is Pre-Flop in Poker?

The pre-flop signals the beginning of poker actions. It takes place right after you get the hole cards but before any community cards hit the board.

This is the first betting round in games like Texas Hold ’em and Omaha. Based on their starting hands (hole cards), players must decide whether to fold, call, raise, or go all-in.

However, your position at the table also matters.

Why is Pre-Flop Important?

The decisions you make pre-flop set the stage for the entire hand. A strong pre-flop strategy will help you avoid getting vulnerable with weak hands and conserve your chips.

Most importantly, premium cards boost your winning potential. You also get a sense of how to play, whether loose or tight.

Mastering pre-flop is about understanding position, reading opponents, and knowing when to use your advantage. The right decision here can give you a significant edge, even before the community cards are revealed.

Best Poker Hands to Play Pre-Flop

What are the best starting hands in poker?

Here is a list of hands with true potential and how to play them.

1. Pocket Aces (AA) – “Pocket Rockets”’

Pocket aces are the best hands you can get before the flop. They dominate almost all other starting hands.

How to Play:

• Always raise or re-raise to build the pot and thin the field.
• Don’t play slow unless the table is very aggressive.

Position Strategy:

• Raise heavily in an early position to discourage multi-way pots.
• In late positions, adjust your bet sizes according to how opponents play.

2. Pocket Kings (KK) – “Cowboys”

Kings rule most hands pre-flop and come second to aces.

How to Play:

• Aggressive betting is the most suitable strategy.
• Limping may be problematic, especially if an ace turns up on the flop.

Position Strategy:

• Raise strongly from an early position.
• You can be more aggressive with KK in later positions.

3. Pocket Queens (QQ) – “Ladies”

The “Ladies” are a powerful duo but become vulnerable if a king or ace appears on the flop.

How to Play:

• Raise pre-flop to build the pot and dominate weaker hands.
• However, be careful against re-raises from tight players.

Position Strategy:

• A standard raise works best from early positions.
• In a late position, try 3-betting against loose opponents.

4. Ace-King Suited (AKs) – “Big Slick”

It is a mighty drawing hand and holds the potential to make the best straight or flush (top poker hand rankings).

How to Play:

• 3-betting is a suitable choice if you face a raise.
• If you face a 4-bet, evaluate how aggressive your opponent is before committing.

Position Strategy:

• Ideal for aggressive play in later positions.
• Try not to overcommit from an early position without seeing the flop.

5. Pocket Jacks (JJ) – “Hooks”

While a good starting hand, it can be challenging to play as higher community cards may turn up at the flop.

How to Play:

• Raise pre-flop, but play carefully if multiple players call.
• Be cautious of higher cards lessening your hand’s potential post-flop.

Position Strategy:

• Play standard raise from early positions.
• In a late position, you can be more aggressive against weaker players.

6. Pocket Tens (TT)

It is a strong pair that holds potential pre-flop. However, overcards may make the pair vulnerable.

How to Play:

• You may raise pre-flop.
• Fold if you see higher community cards or face heavy betting.

Position Strategy:

• Pocket tens are more effective in a late position.
• You can control the pot and observe your opponents better.

7. Ace-Queen Suited (AQs)

Suited AQs are a strong drawing hand with the potential to make a straight or flush.

How to Play:

• Raise pre-flop.
• Proceed cautiously against aggressive opponents.

Position Strategy:

• Play aggressively in late positions.
• Call bets without raising in early positions instead of 3-betting against tight players.

8. Pocket Nines (99)

Pocket nines hold medium strength and can hit a set on the flop.

How to Play:

• Raise pre-flop.
• Don’t overcommit if multiple higher community cards land on the flop.

Position Strategy:

• You can play aggressively from a late position.
• Be more careful when you play the pair from early positions.

9. Ace-Jack Suited (AJs)

It has a strong potential for making flushes and straights on the flop.

How to Play:

• Play aggressively in late positions.
• Adopt caution if you face strong re-raises.

Position Strategy:

• Raise in late positions.
• Play carefully from an early position, especially against big stacks.

10. King-Queen Suited (KQs)

The pair is a strong suited Broadway hand with opportunity for making a straight and flush.

How to Play:

• Raise pre-flop.
• Approach carefully if you face a 3-bet from a tight player.

Position Strategy:

• Ideal for playing aggressively from late positions.
• Play conservatively from an early position.

Understanding Starting Hand Ranges

Experienced players don’t focus on individual hands. Instead, they rely on starting hand ranges, a selection of profitable hands to play from each position at the table.

Categories of Starting Hands

a. Premium Hands

You should always play these strongest hands aggressively following poker game rules. They are ideal to dominate the table and can be played from any position.

Example: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, JJ

b. Strong Hands

These hands have strong potential but are slightly more vulnerable. You should play them cautiously from an early position.

Example: TT, AQs, AJs, KQs

c. Suited Connectors

Connectors of the same suit can make potential straights and flushes. Play them from a later position where you have control and can see the action before committing.

Example: 98s, 76s, JTs

d. Small & Medium Pocket Pairs

These pairs can hit sets but only under favourable conditions. They are best for positions where you can call small bets and see a cheap flop.

Example: 66, 77, 88, 99

Starting Hand Ranges by Position

1. Early Position (UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2)

These early positions demand caution as players act first post-flop. Stick to a tight range of strong hands to avoid difficult post-flop decisions.

Recommended Hands:

• Premium – AA, KK, QQ, AKs
• Strong – AQs, AJs, JJ, TT
• Pocket Pairs – 99+

2. Middle Position (MP, Lojack)

You have more flexibility playing from a middle position. You can expand your range a little and include more playable hands.

However, caution is still necessary.

Recommended Hands:

• Every starting hand from early positions
• Broadway Hands – KQs, AQo
• Suited Connectors – JTs, 98s
• Pocket Pairs – 77+

3. Late Position (Hijack, Cutoff, Button)

Late positions allow you to act last after the flop. It gives you a chance to see how your opponents are playing.

Therefore, they are favourable positions to widen your range and play more speculative hands, especially when stealing blinds.

Recommended Hands:

• Every starting hand from middle positions
• More Broadway Hands – KQo, AJo
• More Suited Connectors – 87s, 76s
• Lower Pocket Pairs – 55+
• Suited Aces – A9s, A8s

Factors That Affect Pre-Flop Hand Selection

Several key factors influence whether you should play, raise, or fold a starting hand. Understanding these factors helps you make smart decisions to maximise your winning chances.

a. Table Position

Your position at the table determines how much information you have before making a decision.

• Early Position: Play tight. Focus on premium hands since you act first.
• Middle Position: You may widen your range, but be cautious.
• Late Position: Best position to play a wider range; bluff more, and steal blinds.

b. Stack Size

Your chip stack relative to the blinds affects your hand selection and strategy.

• Deep Stack (100+ BBs): You can play speculative hands like suited connectors since you can be flexible post-flop.
• Medium Stack (30-100 BBs): Focus on strong hands and value-driven plays.
• Short Stack (Under 30 BBs): Play aggressively with premium hands; avoid marginal hands.

c. Blinds and Ante

The size of the blinds and antes impacts pot odds and whether playing is profitable.

• Higher Blinds: Play loose since stealing blinds becomes more valuable.
• Antes in Play: May play aggressively pre-flop as pot size increases.

d. Opponent Tendencies

You must adjust your hand selection based on how your opponents play.

• Tight Players: You can play more aggressively and steal pots.
• Loose Players: Play premium hands and prioritise value betting.
• Aggressive Players: Avoid marginal hands that put you in tough post-flop situations.

e. Table Dynamics

Your hand selection will vary based on whether the table is passive or aggressive.

• Narrow down your range if there’s much pre-flop raising.
• Play loose and steal more pots if opponents are folding frequently.

Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Pre-Flop Hands

Be aware of common mistakes you might make while choosing pre-flop hands. This will help you improve your game and profits in live and online poker.

• Playing Too Many Hands: Don’t play too many hands, especially marginal ones. Stick to a disciplined range based on position and table dynamics.
• Ignoring Position: Playing weak starting hands from early positions puts you at a disadvantage.You can expand your range from late positions when you have more information.
• Overvaluing Small Pairs: Hands like 22-66 seem appealing but rarely improve post-flop. You are left with a weak hand against high cards if you don’t hit a set.
• Not Adjusting to Opponents: Don’t stick to a rigid strategy. Adjust your play based on your opponents.
• Playing Premium Hands Slowly: Don’t play premium hands too slowly and too often. Trapping can work, but weaker hands may outdraw you.
• Limping Instead of Raising: Opponents get a cheap chance to outflop you when you enter a pot without raising. You should raise while playing strong hands to take control of the pot.
• Calling Raises Frequently With Marginal Hands: Hands like ATo or KJo may look decent but often leave you dominated. Don’t call without a solid reason if an opponent raises strongly.

Get Ready to Play

Pre-flop decisions set the foundation for a winning poker strategy. The right starting hands can give you a significant boost and improve your chances of winning. However, remember to consider factors such as stack size, opponent tendencies, and table dynamics.

Additionally, adapt to your opponents and exploit loose players. You should also avoid common mistakes like playing too many hands and overvaluing certain hands.

Play smart, be patient, and let the odds work in your favour!

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FAQs on Pre-Flop Poker Hands