Knowing which starting hands to play and how to play them is one of the most important skills in poker. Whether you are new to Texas Hold’em or have been playing for a while, understanding the best starting hands in poker gives you a major advantage before the flop.
At XPoker24, we believe mastering these starting hands is the foundation of every winning strategy.

Below, we list and explain the top 10 starting hands in Texas Hold’em. While there can be debate over which hands are the best depending on your style and skill level, these rankings are widely accepted among experienced players and poker professionals.

1. Pocket Aces (A♠ A♥)

Pocket Aces, also known as “Pocket Rockets”, are the best starting hand in poker. They are rare, appearing roughly once every 221 hands, but when they do, you have the strongest possible pre-flop position.

Be aggressive and raise before the flop to protect your hand, especially against multiple players. However, remember that even Aces can lose if the board develops unfavorably.

2. Pocket Kings (K♠ K♦)

Pocket Kings, or “Cowboys”, rank second among the best poker starting hands. Only Pocket Aces beat them. They perform extremely well pre-flop, but you should be cautious if an Ace appears on the flop.

If that happens, slow down and analyze your opponent’s betting patterns before committing further chips.

3. Pocket Queens (Q♠ Q♣)

Pocket Queens, also called “Ladies”, are one of the strongest starting pairs. However, they can be difficult to manage, especially if an Ace or King shows up on the board.

It’s a powerful hand, but not invincible. Bet confidently pre-flop, but avoid overcommitting on dangerous flops.

4. Ace-King Suited (A♠ K♠)

Ace-King suited, known as “Big Slick”, is often called the best non-pair starting hand in Texas Hold’em. While it’s not made yet, it offers high potential for strong pairs, straights, or flushes.

This hand plays best aggressively, especially in position. It can win huge pots when the board hits in your favor.

5. Ace-Queen Suited (A♥ Q♥)

Ace-Queen suited, sometimes referred to as “Little Slick”, offers strong drawing potential and the chance to make top pair with the best kicker.

It’s a powerful hand, but be careful when facing aggression from players holding Ace-King or stronger pairs.

6. Pocket Jacks (J♦ J♣)

Pocket Jacks, or “Hooks”, are one of the most challenging hands for beginners. They are strong but can easily be overtaken by higher pairs or overcards on the flop.

They are still among the top 10 best starting hands in poker, but play them with caution and pay attention to your position.

7. King-Queen Suited (K♥ Q♥)

King-Queen suited is a versatile hand with great straight and flush potential. It’s often considered one of the most enjoyable hands to play because of its flexibility.

However, it can be dominated by Ace-high hands, so use position and timing to your advantage.

8. Ace-Jack Suited (A♣ J♣)

Ace-Jack suited, nicknamed “Blackjack” or “Ajax”, can build strong top pairs and nut flushes. It’s a balanced hand that rewards confident, disciplined play.

Don’t overplay it pre-flop, but it can deliver strong results when the flop connects with your cards.

9. Ace-King Offsuit (A♦ K♣)

Ace-King offsuit is still one of the best hands in poker despite lacking the suited advantage. You have excellent top-pair potential and strong showdown value.

Treat it as a premium hand, but don’t hesitate to fold if you miss the flop completely and face strong resistance.

10. Pocket Tens (10♠ 10♥)

Pocket Tens round out the top 10 best starting hands in poker. They are solid and consistent, but overcards like Queens, Kings, or Aces can make post-flop play difficult.

They’re best played aggressively before the flop, but avoid getting trapped in multi-way pots.

Summary: Top 10 Best Poker Starting Hands (in Order)

Final Thoughts

Understanding the best starting hands in poker is essential for improving your overall strategy and winning more consistently. The hands listed above are statistically and strategically proven to give you the best odds before the flop.

However, remember that poker is not just about cards. Table position, opponent behavior, and your ability to read situations often matter more than the hand itself. Even the highest hand in poker can lose if played incorrectly.

Learn the rankings, study your opponents, and adjust your strategy. Over time, you’ll not only know which hands to play — you’ll know how to play them.