Poker Starting Hands: Which Hands to Play
Should you play every hand you are dealt? The short answer is no — and the gap between the hands that quietly print money and the ones that quietly bleed it is the first real edge every winning player builds. This free interactive lesson walks you through a live $1/$2 spot and the discipline behind folding hands like 9♣ 3♦ before they cost you.
What you'll learn
- Starting hand selection
- Position-based hand ranges
- Fold discipline
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best starting hands in poker?
Premium pairs (AA, KK, QQ, JJ), big broadway hands (AK, AQ), and strong suited connectors make money long-term. The exact set of hands you should play widens as your position improves — you can play more hands on the button than under the gun.
Why does position change which hands I play?
Acting later in a hand gives you more information, so you can profitably play more hands in late position and fewer in early position. A hand that is a fold under the gun can be a raise on the button.
Is this poker lesson free?
Yes. Starting Hand Selection is one of TryBluff’s free interactive lessons — no account required to work through it.