Poker Starting Hand Odds

How Table Size Affects Your Odds

Your winning probability changes dramatically based on the number of players at the table. A hand that wins 85% of the time heads-up might only win 31% at a full table.

• •In heads-up play (2 players), premium hands like AA win approximately 85% of the time against a random hand.
• •At 6-max tables, the same AA drops to about 49% win rate as you need to beat 5 opponents.
• •In a full ring game (9-10 players), AA wins only 31% of the time when all players go to showdown.

Starting Hand Rankings Explained

Suited vs Offsuit Hands

Suited hands (same suit) have approximately 2-4% higher win rates than their offsuit counterparts. This advantage comes from the potential to make flushes.

For example, AKs (suited) wins about 67% heads-up, while AKo (offsuit) wins 65.3% - a 1.7% difference that adds up over time.

The Importance of Position

While these odds show mathematical probabilities, remember that position is crucial in poker. Late position allows you to play more hands profitably.

💡 Use tighter hand ranges in early position and expand your range as you get closer to the button.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✗Overvaluing hands like AJ, KQ, or small pairs in multi-way pots
• ✗Ignoring table dynamics and playing purely by the odds
• ✗Chasing draws without proper pot odds
• ✗Playing too many hands from early position

Pro Tips for Using These Odds