Below you will find ten of the best starting hands for playing Texas holdem poker. As a poker player these are the hole cards that you hope to see when your at the table. However, this does not mean that these are the only cards that you should ever start with. (see table position for more information). This is only a guide to show the best possible starting hands. In fact many professional poker players have their own favorite starting hands that are not necessarily the best hands to start with.

Top ten best starting hands when playing Texas Holdem:

1. Ace-Ace

2. King-King

3. Queen-Queen

4. Ace-King (suited)

5. Jack-Jack

6. Ace-Queen (suited)

7. King-Queen (suited)

8. Ace-Jack (suited)

9. King-Jack (suited)

10. Ace-Ten (suited)



Top ten worst starting hands when playing Texas Holdem:

1. Two-Seven

2. Two-Eight

3. Three-Eight, Three-Seven

4. Two-Six

5. Two-Nine, Three-Nine, Four-Nine

6. Two-Ten

7. Five-Nine

8. Four-Seven, Four-Eight, Five-Eight, Three-Six

9. Face card and low card (unsuited). Example - King-Two, Jack-Two

10. Ace and Low card (unsuited).