This section about the starting hands 65 and below marks the end of our discussions about starting hand suggestions in Texas holdem. These hands are not playable outside of the big blind, and shouldn't even be played there if there has been a raise.

The main problem with these hands consisting of small cards is that they will rarely form the best possible hand and can be particularly dangerous when you hit a small piece of the flop, like a pair, and can't get away from them. If your hand is suited, even when you hit a flush there are many possible higher flushes and when you hit two pair, there are usually higher two pair hands possible as well as trips. When one of these happens, you tend to lose a large pot, which forces you to win many smaller pots to make up for the loss. This is just not possible in the long run.

Finally, when there is a possibility of a better hand, you will be forced to play the hand somewhat passively, which leads to smaller pots and is not the best way to become a profitable player.

Early Position

These hands are all unplayable from early position in both limit and no limit Texas holdem play.

Middle Position

Do not play any of these hands from middle position either. They will all lose money in the long run.

Late Position

Though I have been guilty of playing a few of these hands from late position, like 64s and 54s in perfect situations, it is advisable to avoid this. By the time you reach the playing level where this can be done, you will be able to recognize these situations and take advantage of them. Until that time, you should not play them.

Blind Play

As I mentioned above, you should fold these hands from the small blind and to any raise when you are in the big blind. When you are able to check in the big blind to see the flop, unless you improve to at least two pair or better, you should check and fold to any bet. Do not get stuck in a hand where you are playing out of position with a questionable hand.

Online Poker Bonuses - Poker Strategy - Poker Commentary - WSOP