Poker is a complex game with a number of different strategies that play a part. Some people win poker games purely based on the mental side of things, using bluffing tactics as one of the ways that they can convince other players they have a stronger hand than they really do.
Gaming
Any poker player will tell you that it helps to have a good hand to start with. This is the ideal scenario, and players who draw something strong like pocket aces are in an excellent position.
Varieties of poker
As well as a whole lot of different varieties of poker hand (based on all of the cards that can be dealt) there are also many different types of poker as a game.
As well as the different types of poker, we need to think about whether or not they use community cards. Texas Hold’em is the most popular variety of the game, and this game includes five community cards that anybody can use. So, the strength of the actual hand can depend on what else is drawn and put on the table.
Flop, turn and river are the names given to the three different points in the game when the community cards are revealed. The poker hand combinations dealt for players can then take on a totally new meaning. A suited 8 and 9 might not be the best hand statistically, but if the right cards come out next, it can suddenly become very strong as players may be able to complete a flush or a straight using the cards.
There are some forms of poker where there are no community cards, and this makes it even more crucial that players get a good hand to start with. Different poker players may have their own specific tolerance to risk, and ideas of what good hands are. People like to choose to play in their own style and this can impact the way that they perceive different hands.
Strong hands
Okay, so there is always going to be some room for debate here. The strongest hand combinations are generally accepted, though. We’re exploring some of the stronger hands out there, not as a ranking but as a starting position for players. Remember that in Texas Hold’em, there are five more community cards to come, which can change the way the game looks and whether it there’s a good opportunity to continue with the game or not.
Somebody might have a weak hand on paper. A 2 and an 8, for example. If two more 2s and another 8 come out in the flop, suddenly the player has a pretty strong hand. It isn’t the strongest but it has a decent chance of winning them this particular hand of poker.
Let’s explore some of the hands and what sort of opportunity they may represent.
Pocket aces
Lots of players would love to see this when they turn their cards face up. Nothing stirs up excitement quite like looking down and seeing two aces in the hole. It is sometimes called bullets or rockets, and this is the top starting hand in Texas Hold’em. It’s rare but potent, and it’s easy to see why: with two aces, you’re starting off with the best possible pair, giving you a significant advantage over almost any other hand – at least until the community cards are drawn.
It’s a powerful hand, yes, but if the board develops unfavourably, it can be outplayed by hands that complete a straight or flush. While aces give the best statistical chance out of the gate, a player has to watch out for opponents’ moves and not get overly confident. But make no mistake – aces are still the hand to beat, especially in heads-up situations. In a James Bond film, this is the kind of hand that might be drawn to give some jeopardy to the game (though Bond would inevitably win). Who knows if this sort of situation will crop up when the new Bond is finally cast?
Cowboys (a pair of kings)
Two kings come in as another powerhouse starting hand. Kings put a player in a strong position pre-flop, and have high chances of holding up if they don’t face aces. Most hands won’t hit the board hard enough to challenge kings, which is why they’re so prized.
The risk? Well, an ace on the flop can turn those kings into trouble. If somebody else has just one ace they can potentially beat the hand, so when that happens, it’s time to slow down and pay attention.
Pocket kings definitely means a good starting point. As is the alternative…
Pocket queens
Pocket queens are formidable but they come with a bit of unpredictability. A pair of queens, also known to some as The Ladies, can be a strong starter for many pots, but they can also find themselves vulnerable to hands containing an ace or a king (of course).
When playing pocket queens, players often want to make strong bets preflop to weed out any weak hands that might luck into a pair of aces or kings. This is one strategy we’ve seen a lot in poker. It’s a hand that’s all about balance. A great starting point but not an automatic win. Queens hold up well and put players in a position of strength.
Ace and king
This is called the Big Slick by some. With an ace and king, players don’t start with a pair but with two of the highest cards in the game. This means ace-king has excellent potential – especially if it connects on the flop. A flop of another ace or king gives players a top pair with a powerful kicker. Two aces or kings and the strength increases further. One of each and the player is already matching two strong pairs.
Conclusion
Each poker hand needs to be played on its merit, and the way it unfolds can change everything. Some games are won by a hand most people would consider to be very weak, but statistically speaking, these are some of the best hands out there.