Poker isn’t just about getting good hands—it’s about knowing when to play and when to fold. Many beginners lose money by playing weak hands too often. This guide covers the best poker hands, when to hold on, and when to walk away.
Poker Hand Rankings – From Best to Worst
The stronger your hand in online poker, the better your chances of winning. Here’s the official ranking from strongest to weakest:
| Rank | Hand | Example | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ | Unbeatable |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 7♦ 6♦ 5♦ 4♦ 3♦ | Very strong |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | K♣ K♦ K♥ K♠ 9♠ | Nearly unbeatable |
| 4 | Full House | 10♦ 10♠ 10♣ Q♣ Q♥ | Great hand |
| 5 | Flush | A♥ J♥ 8♥ 5♥ 2♥ | Strong |
| 6 | Straight | 9♣ 8♦ 7♠ 6♠ 5♥ | Good, but beatable |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | 7♠ 7♣ 7♥ K♦ 4♠ | Decent |
| 8 | Two Pair | J♠ J♦ 5♣ 5♠ 2♥ | Playable |
| 9 | One Pair | Q♣ Q♦ 8♥ 4♠ 2♦ | Weak, unless it’s Aces |
| 10 | High Card | K♠ 10♦ 7♣ 5♠ 3♥ | Fold unless desperate |
When to Fold – Stop Wasting Money on Weak Hands
Most beginners play too many hands. Folding is a skill that saves your bankroll.
1. Fold If Your Hand is Trash (High Card Only)
🚫 Example: 9♣ 4♦ in early position – Auto fold.
2. Fold Weak Hands in Early Position
🚫 Example: J♣ 5♦ – Just because it’s a face card doesn’t mean it’s playable.
3. Fold Small Pocket Pairs in a Big Raise
🚫 Example: 3♠ 3♦ against a big preflop raise – Likely dominated.
4. Fold if the Board Shows a Scary Flush or Straight Draw
🚫 Example: You have K♥ K♠, but the board is A♦ Q♦ 10♦ 8♠ 4♣ – Someone likely has a flush or straight.
👉 Pro Tip: If you think you’re beaten, fold and wait for a better hand.
When to Call – Don’t Be Too Scared
Not every weak hand should be folded. Sometimes, calling is the right move.
1. Call with Small Pairs in Late Position
✔ Example: 6♠ 6♦ when you’re on the button – Small pairs play well when you see the flop cheaply.
2. Call with a Strong Drawing Hand
✔ Example: 9♣ 10♣ and the flop is J♠ Q♣ 2♥ – You have an open-ended straight draw.
3. Call When the Pot Odds Are Right
✔ Example: You have a flush draw, and the pot odds say calling is profitable.
👉 Best time to call? When you have potential to hit a strong hand and the bet isn’t too big.
When to Raise – Force Weak Players to Fold
Aggressive poker wins more than passive play. If you’re in a strong position, bet big and force weak players out.
1. Raise with Premium Hands (Aces, Kings, Queens, AK)
✔ Example: A♠ A♦ in early position – Always raise to build the pot.
2. Raise with Strong Draws to Apply Pressure
✔ Example: J♠ 10♠ on a flop of 9♠ 8♠ 4♦ – You’re drawing to a straight and a flush.
3. Raise When Opponents Show Weakness
✔ Example: You have K♥ Q♥, and the board is K♠ 10♦ 5♣ – If they check, raise.
👉 Biggest mistake? Slow-playing strong hands too often.
Best Hands to Play in Each Position
Early Position (Tight Range, Play Safe)
✔ Best Hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ.
🚫 Avoid: Small pairs, suited connectors, weak face cards.
Middle Position (Expand Your Range Slightly)
✔ Best Hands: 10-10, 9-9, AQ, suited connectors (J10, QJ).
🚫 Avoid: Low offsuit cards (K7, J6, etc.).
Late Position (Play Aggressive, Steal Blinds)
✔ Best Hands: Any pocket pair, suited connectors, A10, KQ.
✔ If the table is tight, raise with a wider range.
👉 Best position to be in? Late position—you get more information before acting.
Conclusion – Know When to Fold & When to Go Big
✔ Fold bad hands early—don’t throw money away.
✔ Raise with strong hands—pressure weak players.
✔ Call only when you have the right odds.
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