The Worst Texas Holdem Starting Hands
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One of the crucial skills you need to master in Texas Holdem is knowing when to fold, and maintaining your discipline so that you are folding in the right situations. Here I'm going to cover the worst Texas Holdem starting hands. Read the list and get them imprinted on your memory. Knowing the 10 worst Texas Holdem starting hands, and for that matter the best 10, and acting appropriately when you're holding them, will definitely contribute to your overall success level.
Remember that your chances are not always just dependent on your cards - if you're dealt one of these worst Holdem hands then the number of opponents you're up against and your table position can have a major impact on your playing decisions. Having said that, folding is always going to be the safest otion. Playing on may result in some lucky victories, and bluffing if you've built up the right table image can of course work successfully.
Here's the list in reverse order, with the best of the worst Texas Holdem starting hands first.
Low card + face card (including an ace) unsuited
This is a tempting hand, but remember that the odds are that at least one of your opponents will have the beating of you. If they haven't, it's unlikely you'll see much action anyway. The best option is to fold, unless you're heads up with reason to suspect your opponent has nothing too. With an ace you're slightly better off but any raise in front should push you to fold, unless again you're up against a low number of players.
3-6, 4-7, 4-8, 5-8
These are pocket hands that you're very likely to lose with. Straights are possible, though you'll always be vulnerable to something higher. The only time you're safe to play is when you're on the big blind, and can see the flop for free.
5-9
Poor, and a long term losing hand. Fold unless you've built up such a strong table image that bluffing could force all others to fold. If the bluff misfires, you're in trouble.
2-10
Poor again. Risky to play, though with paired 10s at least you're going into the area where luck could win you the hand.
2, 3, or 4 with a 9
If the flop gets you a pair of 9s, you'll still lose to any pair above. You can't make a straight. Unless you're on a short handed table, the odds are heavily dictating that an opponent will have higher.
3-8 No straight possible. Paired 8s likely to be beaten. often easily.
3-7 Not much better than 3-8. The straight is possible, though before the flop you'll only be beating 2-7.
2-6 This one will get you a straight if the flop comes 3-4-5, though anyone holding 6-7 in that case will have the beating of you. Any flush will face the prospect of getting beaten by a higher flush.
2-8
Pretty much the same as 2-7 below, you're only one card higher and on a hiding to nothing, even if suited.
2-7 Unsuited
2-7 is generally recognised as the worst possible Texas Hold'em preflop hand. 2-7 gives you the lowest 2 cards you can hold that you're unable to flop a straight with, and even if suited you're only going to end up with a low flush. This might still be a winning hand, but the odds are heavily against you.
Remember that your chances are not always just dependent on your cards - if you're dealt one of these worst Holdem hands then the number of opponents you're up against and your table position can have a major impact on your playing decisions. Having said that, folding is always going to be the safest otion. Playing on may result in some lucky victories, and bluffing if you've built up the right table image can of course work successfully.
Here's the list in reverse order, with the best of the worst Texas Holdem starting hands first.
Low card + face card (including an ace) unsuited
This is a tempting hand, but remember that the odds are that at least one of your opponents will have the beating of you. If they haven't, it's unlikely you'll see much action anyway. The best option is to fold, unless you're heads up with reason to suspect your opponent has nothing too. With an ace you're slightly better off but any raise in front should push you to fold, unless again you're up against a low number of players.
3-6, 4-7, 4-8, 5-8
These are pocket hands that you're very likely to lose with. Straights are possible, though you'll always be vulnerable to something higher. The only time you're safe to play is when you're on the big blind, and can see the flop for free.
5-9
Poor, and a long term losing hand. Fold unless you've built up such a strong table image that bluffing could force all others to fold. If the bluff misfires, you're in trouble.
2-10
Poor again. Risky to play, though with paired 10s at least you're going into the area where luck could win you the hand.
2, 3, or 4 with a 9
If the flop gets you a pair of 9s, you'll still lose to any pair above. You can't make a straight. Unless you're on a short handed table, the odds are heavily dictating that an opponent will have higher.
3-8 No straight possible. Paired 8s likely to be beaten. often easily.
3-7 Not much better than 3-8. The straight is possible, though before the flop you'll only be beating 2-7.
2-6 This one will get you a straight if the flop comes 3-4-5, though anyone holding 6-7 in that case will have the beating of you. Any flush will face the prospect of getting beaten by a higher flush.
2-8
Pretty much the same as 2-7 below, you're only one card higher and on a hiding to nothing, even if suited.
2-7 Unsuited
2-7 is generally recognised as the worst possible Texas Hold'em preflop hand. 2-7 gives you the lowest 2 cards you can hold that you're unable to flop a straight with, and even if suited you're only going to end up with a low flush. This might still be a winning hand, but the odds are heavily against you.