These starting hand charts, like all the preceding articles leading up to this point, were built on my database of starting hands ranked by net win. These charts represent a starting reference point based on the average net win from each position. Think of them as basic strategy, and don't be afraid to make adjustments for starting position.
All the charts read the same way. Locate the type of three-card starting hand you have as defined by the chart heading in green. Then look for your three card combination in the left hand column labeled "Hand" or two-card combination on the "2-Pair" chart.
A dash before a comma in the "Hand" column separates card ranks. A-3-5 refers to a three-card starting hand comprising an ace, a trey, and a five. Hands are always evaluated from left to right with the lowest ranked card on the left. An ace is considered low.
A comma in the Hand column separates the first two cards of the starting hand-the left side of the comma-from a range of cards that may combined with the first two. For example, A-2, 3-5 is read an A-2 when combined with a three through a five as in A-2-3, A-2-4 or A-2-5.
After determining your lowest three-card starting hand, look across the blue labels at the top of the chart to find the column that defines how your hand is suited. (If you are new to my articles or have not kept a copy of the articles defining how a hand may be suited send me an email with "Suited" in the subject line and for a definition list.) At the intersection of your three-card starting hand and the way your hand is suited is an indication of the range of cards that render those three cards playable.
That intersection may have any of the following characters:
A-. This represents a fourth card of any rank greater than any of your first three-cards.
n-. This excludes a specific rank or range of cards. See below.
n9-. "No nine." You may play your three-cards with any card except a nine.
n5-T-. No five through ten. You may play this hand with any card except a five through ten.
n5, 9-. No five or nine. You may play this hand with any card except for a five or a nine.
T-K. You may play this hand with a ten through a king only.
2-6, K. You may play this hand with a deuce through a six or a king.
K. When you see a specific rank at the intersection it means the hand may only be played when combined with a card of that rank. A single "A" will always refer to all ranks and not a single ace. "Hand," as used above refers to the three- or two card starting hand in the first column.
When you hold trips: On this chart, when you hold three aces in your hand, the hand is only playable with a deuce through a six if suited to one of your aces. If it is not suited the range drops to a deuce through a four. When we hold three deuces, it is only playable when our fourth card is an ace and only when suited to one of the deuces. The grayed box at the intersection of 2-2-2 and NS indicates there are no unsuited cards that render the hand playable.
When you hold two pair: The two pair chart is different from all others. Under the "hand" column you will see only two-card combinations. The ranks at the intersection refer to another pair rather than a single card. There are no profitable two-pair combinations when your top pair is jacks or lower. If you are dealt two-pair and one of those pair is not aces, kings, or queens, muck your hand.
Aces are profitable with a pair of deuces through a pair of kings when either double- or single-suited. When unsuited, the only unprofitable hand occurs when combined with a pair of nines.
A pair of kings is not playable if unsuited. When double-suited the playable range is nines through queens. When single-suited the playable range is tens through queens.
A pair of queens is only playable when double-suited and then only when combined with a pair of tens or jacks. Remember, we only compare the hand to pairs of lesser rank. That is why for Q-Q we do not consider Q-Q-K-K. It is covered under the K-K line.
So what have we learned? Today we learned how to read my starting hand charts. Keep this issue in a safe place for future reference. Lastly, here are a few more terms from my poker glossary:
Feeler Bet-This is a small bet or raise which is designed to derive information from your opponents by their reaction.
Feeler Raise-Similar to the above.
Field-With respect to a tournament it refers to the total number or players. A person who bet from early position with several players to act behind him is also said to be betting into the field.
Fifth Street-In seven card stud this is the fifth card to be dealt. In hold 'em and Omaha it is the fifth board card and is also known as the river card.
Sam Mudaro, BA, MBA, is a practicing tax accountant and financial executive with 35 years of analytical business expertise. He uses simulation software to analyze and develop strategies for Omaha/8 and other forms of poker. Reach Sam at: realguru2003@yahoo.com.
