Glossary of Top Starting Holdem Hands

In Texas Holdem poker, the starting hands are critical tools that determine the outcome of a poker play. Thus, from the very start hole cards dealt to us should be played well, and if there is a need for re-selecting a starting hand, it should be settled there and then.

To help us select a starting hand, here is a summary of top starting holdem hands:

An AA, or two aces or pair of aces are such excellent starting hands that experts dub them as "pocket rockets" because they have the capability to launch us to a sure win. These are powerful starting hands that players ought to take advantage by making the right bets and raises. Sometimes, players fondly refer to the as "American Airlines."

Two kings or KK are second placers to an AA. With a pair of king we can take it easy with most hands and confidently raise a bet or re-raise. This pair hand is also known as "cowboys" as a single king is also called a "cowboy." Sometimes this pair is also called "King Kong." Next to a pair of king is a queen pair, or QQ. Sometimes called pair of "ladies" this is the third Holdem hand we're aiming for.

As for suited hands, the first thing we want is the suited ace and king tandem, or the famous AKs. This is what veteran poker players call the "big slick" and is a common winning Holdem hand. It is the fourth hand preferred in Holdem, followed by a suited ace and queen, or AQs. This one is called a "big chick" by players, or at times "little slick." It's the fifth best thing in Holdem to have. A double jack in suit or suited pair of jack or JJs are "hooks" to poker enthusiasts, or "fish hooks."

A suited king and queen, or KQs is the seventh favorite hand in Holdem, followed by a suited ace and jack, or AJs. In poker this is popularly called "blackjack." So the next time we hear "blackjack" in poker, don't be confused. It's also called "ajax," and is the eighth most powerful hand. A suited king and jack are what we want next, or a KJs.

Unsuited hands come in last in Holdem poker. An unsuited or offsuit ace and king, or AKo is the last Holdem hand we would prefer. The other hand types, depending on the situation, may be best folded.

Suited pairs work best for us as far as Holdem hands are concerned.