No Limit Hold ‘Em Starting Hands

A starting hand is a term to describe the playable nature of the two downcards dealt pre-flop in Texas Hold ‘Em (see more poker rules here). There are numerous theories and charts on starting hand strategy ranging from tight play to aggressive play. The purpose of this article is to give the beginner a set of guidelines to follow to avoid difficult situations post flop.

Table Position is Key

The key to determining your starting hands for Texas Hold ‘Em lies in what position you sit at the table. At a full table of 9, the button is the last player to act in a given betting round and the small blind is the first (except in the first round where the UTG or under-the-gun player is first to act. The UTG player is the first player after the big blind.)

Check out our Poker Room Reviews and get started using these techniques online!

This is important as you can play with a wider range of hands in the later positions and should play a tighter set of hands in the opening positions.

Varying your Play

You should vary your play in terms of limp/call/raise to avoid giving away information about what you are holding. For instance, if you only ever raise AA/KK preflop in early position, then an observant opponent will know what you have when you raise preflop in early position.

Starting Hands Chart for NL Texas Hold’em

Early Position	Unraised Pot	When Raised
AA – TT	Raise Mostly	Reraise QQ+ ; Call rest
99 – 88	Raise Sometimes	Call
77 – 22	Limp Mostly	Call
AQ, AK	Raise Mostly	Call
AJ, KQ	Raise Sometimes	Call or Fold
Middle Position	Unraised Pot	When Raised
AA – 22	Raise Mostly	Reraise QQ+ ; Call Others
AK, AQ, AJ	Raise Mostly	Reraise AK; Call Others
KQ, KJ	Raise Mostly	Call
QJ, JT	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold
Aks – T9s	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold
Late Position (Folded Around)	Unraised Pot	When Raised
AA – 22	Raise Mostly	Reraise QQ+ ; Call Others
Ax	Raise Mostly	Reraise AQ+; Call Others
Kx	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold
Any 2 broadway’s	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold
Ako – 87o	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold
Late Position (Some Limpers)	Unraised Pot	When Raised
AA – TT	Raise Mostly	Reraise QQ+ ; Call Others
Axs	Raise Mostly	Call
AK, AQ, AJ	Raise Mostly	Reraise AQ+; Call Others
KQ, QJ	Raise Mostly	Call or Fold

Related posts:

1. Understanding the Gap Concept
2. Get Paid Off on Big Hands – The Value Bet Concept