Starting Hands Chart

How to Read the Starting Hands Chart

The 13×13 grid shows all 169 unique starting hand combinations in Texas Hold'em. The diagonal represents pocket pairs (AA, KK, QQ, etc.). Hands above the diagonal are suited (same suit), while hands below are offsuit (different suits). Suited hands have slightly higher equity due to flush potential.

Hand Categories

• Premium (dark green): AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs, AQs, AKo — raise from any position
• Strong (green): TT, 99, AJs, ATs, KQs, AQo — raise from most positions
• Playable (yellow-green): Medium pairs, suited Aces, suited connectors — play from middle position onwards
• Speculative (yellow): Small pairs, suited Kings, connectors — play from late position with good pot odds
• Fold (gray): Weak hands — generally unprofitable to play

Position Matters

Use the position filters to see which hands to play from each position. Early position (first to act) requires the strongest hands because you face the most opponents yet to act. Late position (near the button) allows you to play more hands because fewer opponents remain and you'll have position post-flop.

Key Numbers

• 169 unique starting hand types (13 pairs + 78 suited + 78 offsuit)
• 1,326 total possible two-card combinations from a 52-card deck
• ~15-20% of hands are typically playable from early position
• ~30-40% of hands are playable from the button

Beyond the Chart

A starting hands chart is a guide, not a rulebook. Adjust based on table dynamics, stack sizes, opponent tendencies, and tournament situation. A hand that's a fold on the chart might be a raise against passive opponents, and a "playable" hand might be a fold against aggressive 3-bettors.