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In Texas Hold'em, your first decision each hand is also one of your most important: should you play these two cards or fold? Many beginners play far too many hands, hoping to get lucky. Experienced players know that choosing the right starting hands is the foundation of a solid strategy. Here is a practical guide to which hands are worth playing and why.
Why Starting Hands Matter
Every hand you play costs money over time. Weak hands often lead to difficult decisions later, where you are likely to lose more. Strong starting hands put you in better positions and make decisions easier.
If you ever play poker in a room linked to the LevelUp official website, where poker is available, or anywhere else, the same principles apply: a disciplined starting hand selection gives you a head start.
Categories of Starting Hands
Premium Pairs
AA, KK, QQ, JJ
The strongest hands in Hold'em. Usually raise with these from any position.
Strong Broadway Hands
AK, AQ, AJ suited, KQ suited
High cards that can make strong top pairs and straights.
Medium Pairs
TT, 99, 88, 77
Solid hands that can win unimproved or flop sets.
Small Pairs
66 down to 22
Mainly played to hit three of a kind (a set). Best in position and with deep stacks.
Suited Connectors
Examples: 98 suited, 87 suited, 76 suited
Can make straights and flushes. Best played in late position.
Suited Aces
A5 suited, A4 suited and similar
Can make nut flushes and wheel straights.
Trouble Hands
Examples: KJ offsuit, QT offsuit, A9 offsuit
These look good but often make second-best hands. Play carefully, especially from early position.
How Position Changes Everything
Position is crucial in starting hand selection:
• Early position: play mainly premium pairs and strong broadway hands.
• Middle position: add medium pairs and some suited broadway hands.
• Late position: widen your range with suited connectors, small pairs and suited aces.
• Blinds: play carefully, as you will be out of position after the flop.
Raising vs Limping
Many strategy guides suggest raising with the hands you choose to play, rather than just calling the big blind (limping). Raising gives you the initiative and can win the pot immediately.
The Worst Hand
The famous "worst hand" in Hold'em is 7-2 offsuit. It cannot make a straight with both cards and has weak high-card value. Fold it.
Adjusting to Your Table
• Tight tables: you can open more hands in late position to steal blinds.
• Loose tables: play stronger hands, since opponents call more often.
• Aggressive players behind you: tighten your range.
Tournaments vs Cash Games
In tournaments, stack sizes change as blinds increase, so starting hand ranges shift. Short stacks favour high-card hands; deep stacks favour speculative hands.
Common Beginner Mistakes
• Playing too many hands
• Overvaluing any ace
• Calling raises with weak hands
• Ignoring position
• Getting attached to suited cards
Tips for Better Starting Hand Selection

1. Use a starting hand chart while learning.
2. Play tighter in early position.
3. Raise rather than limp with playable hands.
4. Review your hands after sessions.
5. Stay patient; folding is part of winning poker.
   A Simple Example
   You are under the gun with K-J offsuit. It looks attractive, but with many players still to act, a raise from someone holding A-K, K-Q or a big pair would put you in a tough spot. Folding here is often correct. The same hand on the button, with only the blinds left to act, becomes a reasonable raise.
   Stack Depth Matters
   With deep stacks, hands that can make very strong combinations, such as small pairs and suited connectors, gain value because you can win big pots when you hit. With short stacks, high-card hands like A-J or K-Q become relatively more valuable.
   Why Folding Is a Skill
   Many beginners find folding boring, but disciplined folding saves money over time. Strong players fold most of their starting hands and focus their energy on the hands that matter.
   Learn by Reviewing
   After each session, look back at a few hands you played from early position. Were they strong enough? This simple habit quickly improves starting hand discipline.
   The Bottom Line
   Starting hand selection is the foundation of good Hold'em strategy. Play strong hands, adjust for position and avoid trouble hands that lead to costly mistakes. Patience pays, and so does discipline with your bankroll.