Poker Hand Rankings for Texas Hold'em

At the bottom of this page is a comprehensive listing of Texas Hold'em starting hands based on their EV (expected value). Expected value is the average number of big blinds this hand will make or lose. For example: [AA] from the Small Blind in a $3/$6 game will make, on average, 2.71 times the big blind, or $16.20 per hand (2.71 * $6). On the other hand, [22] from the Button (D or Dealer position), will make -$0.12 EV, or -$0.72 in a $3/$6 game (6 * -$0.12).

These stats are compiled from live table data instead of hand simulations. I recommend that you print this out and tape it to the wall if you need help selecting good starting poker hands.

Statistical Rankings of Hole Cards

David Sklansky's starting hand analysis from the book "Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players" is considered a standard in the poker world. However, these charts were created by Sklansky without any definitive proof of why certain hands were better - they simply were.

With this starting hands EV chart, you now have statistical rankings of each Hold'em hand. By only playing hands that have profitable expected value, you will greatly increase your ability to earn money over the long-term at Texas Hold'em. Please remember, however, that this is a compilation of EV for the average player, and the average player may not play the same way that you do.

You will still need to play your poker hands tactically, which means that you still need to observe your opponents, take notes, watch out for traps and calculate your odds. You need to play your hand as the situation dictates and not get married to a hand just because it is a long-term winner. Remember: Texas Hold'em is all about knowing when to fold'em as well.

Position Affects Your Hand Value

The most important aspect to focus on in this ranking chart is to notice the value of position when it comes to your hand. In Texas Hold'em, position is a huge advantage - you want to be as close to the Button as possible (as the Button the last person to act after the flop).

When you are in positions like the SB (Small Blind) and BB (Big Blind), you can see that your starting hand EV drops significantly in Texas Hold'em. This is due to the fact that you often end up betting or calling in these positions with hands that are much weaker than you would normally play. In addition, people behind you get to see your actions, so they are in better position to perform tricky moves or steal the pot if necessary. This is why many Texas Hold'em experts say that if you observe a game, that money tends to flow toward the direction of the Button.

This means that you want to tighten up your starting hand selection early in the game and drop questionable hands like [KT], [QT], [JT], [T9] - and possibly even [KJ] or [QJ] - in early position. You can see for yourself on the EV chart that these hands will lose you money in the long run in Hold'em. In late position, however, you can relax your starting hand selection to include these cards. You can also begin playing pocket pairs a bit more liberally in late position.

Starting hands are the key to success in Texas Hold'em

You might think that starting hand strategy in poker is all about getting big cards and winning with them, but that's only half the story. The other half of the story is avoiding getting yourself into situations where you call down with weak cards.

If you've played poker already, you'll probably nod your head in agreement when you hear this situation:

You're in the Big Blind and you catch top pair on the flop with a weak kicker. A player bets, and you call the flop with your top pair. The player bets both the turn and river, and you call again (even when you really don't want to). When you turn your cards over, you find to your dismay that your opponent has a bigger kicker and wins the pot. You've just been out-kicked! This happens all the time and the key is to let it happen to your opponents - not you! Always remember this fundamental principle to poker: "A bet saved is a bet earned!"

Poker Hand Ranking Chart:

The statistics are based on 115,591,080 pair of pocket cards dealt at the real money tables. The unit for EV is average profit in big bets.

Click here for a table that includes EV with Position for all Starting Hands

Want to put your knowledge of hand rankings into effect? Play at PokerRoom.com and see for yourself how much money you can make off high ranking hands.