Starting hand selection is so important in Texas Holdem. This one simple poker stratagem can make or break your bankroll faster than any other part of your game. Without a good starting hand strategy, you might as well quit playing poker and try casino or bingo games where luck is the dominating factor.
This starting hand strategy, coupled with one of the best poker bonuses, should help to increase your bankroll. The Full Tilt referral code is a good bonus to start with.
To help you develop a better Texas Holdem starting hand strategy, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Starting Hands in Texas Holdem.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #1: Pocket Rockets (A-A)
Of course a pair of Aces, otherwise known as pocket rockets, is the absolute best starting hand in Texas Holdem. This hand can often hold its own even without hitting another Ace on the Flop, Turn or River.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #2: Cowboys (K-K)
A pair of Kings, known as Cowboys on the poker felt, make up the second best starting hand in Texas Holdem. If no Ace falls on the board, there’s not likely to be a higher pair in the game.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #3: Leading Ladies (Q-Q)
A pair of Queens, called Ladies or Leading Ladies, falls into third position among best Texas Holdem starting hands.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #4: Big Slick [Suited] (A-K suited)
The fourth top starting hand is an Ace and King of the same suit. This gives you a good chance to pull a high pair on the Flop, while also providing good odds of an Ace-high straight or an Ace-high Flush; both being excellent draw hands.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #5: Little Slick (A-Q suited)
Rounding out the top 5 starting hands in Texas Holdem is an Ace and Queen of the same suit, sometimes called Little Slick, or Big Chick. Again, you have a chance to Pair the Aces on the flop, and if the board isn’t very high, maybe a top pair of Queens. The straight draw and flush draw hands are something to look for as well.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #6: Royal Couple (K-Q suited)
Number 6 on our top ten list is a King and Queen of the same suit. Be careful with this hand if an Ace falls; you’ll need a solid straight draw or flush draw on the Flop to continue.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #7: Big Slick [Offsuit] (A-K offsuit)
There’s that name again; Big Slick. An Ace-King takes on this label whether it’s suited or not, but the off-suit version drops down to #9 on our top 10 starting hands list due to its lack of Flush draw probabilities. You’re still looking at a good chance of hitting top pair on the Flop with the Ace or King, plus the Ace-high straight draw potential.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #8: Blackjack (A-J suited)
Called Blackjack for obvious reasons, the suited Ace and Jack still have good potential as a starting hand. Pairing the Ace is nice, and the straight and flush draw prospects are good enough.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #9: Fish Hooks (J-J)
A pair of Jacks isn’t a bad starting hand, but it isn’t a great one either. Fish hooks, as they are sometimes called, can be an inexperienced poker player’s worst nightmare. Don’t put too much credit towards this hand when you’re out of position, as any Queen, King or Ace on the Flop can kill it.
Top 10 Starting Hands - #10: Mixed Marriage (K-Q offsuit)
It was a tough decision between King and Queen offsuit, known as the Mixed Marriage, or a pair of 10s, but I personally feel the pair of 10s has very little river potential without setting on the Flop. The King-Queen offsuit has a much better chance of hitting top pair, or a good straight draw. However, you should be in late position to play this hand with any confidence.
