This list is set up for the aggressive player. Though it’s a good list for any player, some of more conservatives players might have a tighter list. Please note the differences between "suited" and "off-suit". They are all off-suit unless otherwise noted.
Top Cards:
Ace-Ace (pair of aces)
King-King
Ace-King suited
Queen-Queen
Jack-Jack
When you're dealt A’s, K’s, or AK suited, you can and should be raising and more often than not re-raising before the flop, no matter your position. A pair of Q’s or J’s you have to be a bit more careful with, and only call if someone else has raised. The chances are still good that you have the top hand before the flop.
So to recap, raise and drive out the drawing hands, if there are no raises in front of you.
Strong Cards:
AQ, AJ, A10 (all suited)
AK (off suit or unsuited)
KQ suited
Pair of 10's
KJ, QJ, J10 all suited
AQ, AJ
Pair of 9's
KQ
K10 suited, Q10 suited
Why are these strong? If you notice, all have strong flush or straight draw chances, as well as a high face card. The pairs of 10's or 9's have to be included simply because of the rarity of being dealt a pocket pair, and these being on the high end. But be careful is someone comes firing at the pot after the flop if there are over cards or the board is paired.
With strong cards, look to raise in middle or late position, only if no one has raised before you. If you raise in middle position and someone in late position re-raises, be careful. If they're a strong player they probably have you beat in card strength unless they’re bluffing to try and take the blinds and antes.
Decent Pocket Cards:
Pair of 8's
Jack-9, 10-9 both suited
Pair of 7's
9-8, 8-7 both suited
Ace and any other suited card
KJ, QJ, J10
Don’t bother raising with these cards unless everyone in front of you has folded. Also be careful playing these in middle position. Honestly, you probably want to see the flop as cheaply as possible. These cards can turn into monster hands though, because of their deceptive value. If you have a reputation as a strong player, other players won’t be expecting you to make a straight with a 9-8. Another reason to at least play these cards sometimes is to keep yourself from getting a reputation as a "Rock". This way you’re more likely to get some action if people see you playing your 7-8 and 9-10.
Barely Playable Pocket Cards
Any pair, 6's and under
Connected suited cards, not shown above (i.e. 4-5 suited)
A10, K10, Q10
K9, Q9, both suited
These cards have to have serious help from the board to win. If you can get to the flop cheap it can be worth it though, as these are draw hands to flushes and straights, and you may hit trips with your low pair. These cards can make good bluff hands when you're "on the button," and everyone in front of you has either folded or called the big blind, because they at least hold some potential for a good hand...so it’s not a complete bluff. But be warned. These are "play and pray" cards. In low limit games they might be worth it. But if you play these cards every time, you'll see your chip stack disappear at an alarming rate.
All other cards not mentioned above are complete trash. Fold 'em.
Feel free to print this list and make amendments to make it your own. Keep in mind, card strength is relative and depends on so many other factors. What might be great pocket cards in a tight game may lose some value in a loose game where 3 people hold on to their trash, hoping for a miracle board, no matter how many times you raise them. Other factors include your position, your total chips vs. your opponents, and the limits of the game.
One finale note: please watch out for person on the big blind who get to see the flop for nothing. I have seen the player on the big blind flop two pair or a full house all to often, and take down a serious pot because some one else had flopped a pair A’s or K’s or tried to slow play a pair of pocket A's.
Back
Pocket Card Selections
The Flop
The Turn
The River
Tournament Guide
Sit & Go Tournaments
Ring Games
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