by Justin Webb

Created on: January 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

The best hands in Texas hold'em poker (PRE-FLOP) are:

1) A-A 6) T-T
2) K-K 7) 9-9
3) Q-Q 8) 8-8
4) A-K 9) A-Q
5) J-J 10) 7-7

Please note that they are the best PRE-FLOP; based on the flop and possible draws, etc., they very well may not be the best.

HOW TO PLAY TOP TEN HANDS PRE-FLOP:
-with these top ten hands, you most typically will raise or re-raise (especially in late position!)

-play super-tight poker to start (people will begin to fear raises from you)

HOW TO PLAY TOP TEN HANDS POST-FLOP:
-always use raising to gain information about how strong your hand is. I usually raise at least 3/4 of what's already in the flop to start; this gets moderate to poor drawing hands out of the pot, while people holding low pair may think their hands are best and may dump chips to you.

HOW TO PLAY AFTER THE TURN:
-If you believe your hand is best, RAISE; if you think it's not, FOLD. This is the opportune time to fold, but don't call, unless you're skeptical about your hand. However, if you are, I'd say fold and wait for a more opportune moment, when you know that you are holding the nuts.

HOW TO PLAY AFTER THE RIVER:
-If you've gotten to the river, I wouldn't suggest folding. If you've played perfectly, you'll usually be too pot committed to fold; and pot odds suggest that if you've played and you think your hand is best, you probably have the best hand, so I'd call. You may walk away with that one last bet the second-best hand wanted to get in there.

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