Poker Starting Hand Chart

For some having a chart handy recommending what to play when and how to play it is a lifeling they cannot live without. Most beginning poker players adapt some kind of system for starting hand selection, most often one that has been laid out through a book or someone else's play. Quite often most starting hand charts when placed side by side are very similar.

However, more important is how one interprets the information from the poker starting hand chart. Not every situation will play the same for the same hand and many factors will change the way a player will use the chart. Eventually through experience these factors will be engrained into memory and starting hand selection will be like riding a bike.

Often more than not having a good starting hand chart is only half the battle. How you play those cards after the flop will influence the outcome even more. This again is where knowledge and expereince will come into play. Only with time will a poker player gain the skills neede for post flop play.

So, with that here is a general beginner's starting hand chart. Again, playing poker these starting hands is considered playing tight. This is essential until you learn to adapt your style of play to various situations that you will ultimately face.

In my opinion if you are a beginner, or even struggling to play poker, then you should consider playing these and only these hands:

AA, AK, AQ, AJ, KK, KQ, KJ, QQ, QJ, and JJ

Ideally one would prefer these to be suited since then you will be drawing for a flush rather than a high pair, straight or a set. Either way playing strictly these hands combined with proper betting techniques will ensure your increased odds of winning hands. Playing like this takes patience and you may only play a few hands per hour, but trust me your bankroll will appreciate it.

Please note that these hands can be played without regard to your position to the Button. Also these hands need to be played more aggressively when playing No Limit versus Limit.