Poker Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
1. Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit) — the best possible hand. 2. Straight Flush (five consecutive cards, same suit). 3. Four of a Kind (four cards of the same rank). 4. Full House (three of a kind plus a pair).
5. Flush (five cards of the same suit). 6. Straight (five consecutive cards, any suit). 7. Three of a Kind. 8. Two Pair. 9. One Pair. 10. High Card (no combination — highest card plays).
Starting Hand Selection
Premium hands to always play: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AK suited. These are the strongest starting hands in Texas Hold'em and should be raised pre-flop in any position.
Strong hands to raise with: 10-10, 9-9, AQ, AJ suited, KQ suited. Playable hands that depend on position: suited connectors (like 7-8 suited), small pairs (2-2 through 8-8), and suited Aces.
Position Matters
Your position at the table significantly affects which hands you should play. In early position (first to act), play only premium hands. In late position (near the button), you can play a wider range because you have more information.
The button (dealer position) is the most profitable seat because you act last on every street after the flop. Use this advantage to play more hands and control the pot size.
Basic Post-Flop Strategy
After the flop, evaluate your hand strength relative to the board. Top pair with a good kicker is usually worth a bet. Draws (flush or straight draws) should be played based on pot odds.
Don't fall in love with a hand. If the board is dangerous (three cards to a flush, paired board) and you face heavy action, be willing to fold even strong pre-flop hands.
Bankroll Management for Poker
For cash games, have at least 20 buy-ins for your chosen stake level. For tournaments, 50-100 buy-ins is recommended due to higher variance. Never play with money you can't afford to lose.
Move down in stakes if you lose 5+ buy-ins. Move up only when your bankroll comfortably supports the next level. Discipline in bankroll management separates long-term winners from recreational players.