Starting hand chart.

Questions people ask

How many hands should I play?

Far fewer than most new players think. This chart opens about 11% of hands from the first seat, about 26% from the cutoff and about 43% from the button. Most hands are folds before the flop.

Why does position change which hands to play?

The later your seat, the fewer players are left to act behind you who might hold a big hand. The button also acts last after the flop, seeing everyone's move first, so it can play many more hands profitably.

How is this chart built?

Each hand gets a Chen score, a quick point system where pocket aces score 20, and each seat opens hands at or above a minimum score. It's a solid, slightly tight starting point; experienced players widen it against weak opponents.

Is ace-king a good hand?

Yes. It's a raise from every seat. It's still only ace-high until it pairs, so it's strong before the flop, not unbeatable after it.

What do the s and o mean, like AKs and AKo?

s means suited (both cards the same suit) and o means offsuit. Suited hands are a little stronger because they can make flushes. Pairs, like 77, sit on the diagonal.

How many starting hands are there?

1,326 two-card combinations, which group into 169 different hands: 13 pairs (6 ways each), 78 suited hands (4 ways each) and 78 offsuit hands (12 ways each).