As long as they are suited, you can also include suited gappers like J-9 in your starting range as they can also make some strong hands.Īlthough you should include these hands in your starting range, you should not play each of these hands every time you are dealt them. These hands have the most potential when it comes to making strong hands like good pairs, flushes, straights, or sets (three of a kind). To win money at the poker table, you have to play the right hands in the right spots! The best starting hands can be broken down into six categories: big pocket pairs (K♣-K♠), strong big cards (A♣-Q♠), medium pocket pairs (8♣-8 ♦), suited aces (A ♦-8 ♦), suited connectors (8♠-7♠), and weak pocket pairs (3♣-3 ♦). Naturally, having a solid preflop poker strategy starts with good hand selection. Preflop Strategy: Starting Hands The Best Starting Hands To Play Preflop When You Get Three-Bet By An Opponent Preflop.How To Use A Preflop Hand Ranking Chart.