Texas Hold ‘em: Starting Hand Levels Explained

So you have been dealt your two hole cards, now you have to make the decision whether to call other bets, raise or fold. This not only depends on the strength of your starting hand, but also on other factors including position, stack size and the number of players at the table.

There is a special 'list' system in Texas Hold ‘em poker, which ranks the different strengths of starting hands, with 1 being the highest.

Note: (s) = suited (us) = unsuited

Hand Level

1 A-A K-K Q-Q J-J A-K(s)

2 A-Q(s) A-J(s) K-Q(s) 10-10 A-K

3 A-Q (us) A-10(s) Q-J(s) J-10(s) 9-9 K-J(s)

4 A-J A-10 A-9(s) A-8(s) K-10(s) Q-10(s) K-Q

5 A-7 A-6 7-7 10-9(s) J-9(s) 9-8(s)

6 6-6 5-5 4-4 7-6(us) 3-3 6-5(s)

This may appear a little confusing to some at first, but it is a great learning tool to help figure out the strengths of hands and when to play what. If you are new and playing online, you may want to print it out and keep it nearby for easy reference.

Level 1 Hands

Congratulations! If you are holding a level 1 hand, this is great news indeed, as they are very strong starting hands. With pocket rockets, (A-A,) you already have an 84% chance of winning if there is only one other person in the pot. However, you must protect these hands and raise them up at whatever position you are in, in order to add value to the pot. This also pushes out smaller or marginal hands that may limp call or be the big blind, thus not letting them get lucky and 'hit' something for free. As tempting as it may be to slow play your aces, always remember that if there are more than four people in the pot, you are no longer favored to win. Hands like J-J are still very strong but should be played with caution. If an Ace, Queen or King comes down in the flop, ease up on the betting and watch other players’ moves very carefully.

Level 2 Hands

These hands are still strong starting hands, but should be played with more caution than their level one counterparts.

Level 3 Hands

It is generally acceptable to limp in (that is, to bet the minimum amount required to play) with these hands from any position. Essentially, you should try to see the flop as cheaply as possible. With most of these hands, you are hoping to hit a straight draw or better. Be careful of the 9-9 hole cards. If too many over-cards come down and betting is strong, then it is probably best to fold that hand.

Level 4 Hands

These are the hands that many new beginners lose most of their money or even go bust with. They are deceiving, as they look good but in reality do not hold up that well; holding A-8, for example. Even if you hit top pair, it is quite likely that someone else will be holding an ace with a higher kicker. They are great hands to hold, however, if you are onto a flush.

Level 5 Hands

Again, you should be cautious of these hands, and try to see some action for as little money as possible. You can limp in if you are in late position. If there is any action pre-flop from other players, it is probably wise to fold and wait for something better.

Level 6 Hands

Low pairs can be tricky to play, as people often place too much value on them, or refuse to fold them, hoping that they hit trips. (This is called set mining.) Small-suited connectors can be useful cards if you hit the flop hard, as it is difficult for other players to get a read on what you are holding. Try to play them in late position and do not get too sucked in. If in doubt, fold 'em, don't hold 'em!