How to read the starting hand chart
The grid shows all 169 starting hands. Pairs run down the diagonal, suited hands (both cards the same suit) are above it, and offsuit hands are below it. Green hands are raises when everyone before you has folded; everything else folds.
Opening ranges by position
| Position | Range size | Examples of the weakest opens |
|---|---|---|
| UTG | About 16% | A2s, KTs, 76s, AJo, KQo |
| Hijack | About 20% | K9s, 65s, ATo, KJo, QJo |
| Cutoff | About 28% | K6s, 54s, A8o, KTo, JTo |
| Button | About 44% | K2s, 43s, A2o, K8o, 98o |
| Small blind | About 38% | Q5s, 54s, A4o, K9o, T9o |
The later your position, the more hands you can open, because fewer players are left to act behind you and you'll usually have position after the flop.
How to adjust these ranges
- Full ring (9-handed): use the UTG range for the first three or four seats and the hijack range in middle position.
- Loose live games: tighten early-position opens slightly and raise bigger; you'll often see multiway pots.
- Someone has raised already: this chart no longer applies. Continue with a much tighter range of 3-bets and calls.
- Short stacks in tournaments: use the push/fold chart below about 15 big blinds.
Are these GTO ranges?
They are simplified, solid baseline ranges similar to what solvers recommend for 100bb 6-max games with standard rake. Exact solver ranges mix some hands at different frequencies; these charts round them into clear raise-or-fold decisions that are easy to remember.
Starting hand chart FAQ
Should I ever limp?
As a default, no. Raising gives you the chance to win the pot immediately and the initiative after the flop.
What's the best starting hand?
Pocket aces, followed by kings, queens and ace-king suited. See our hand rankings guide.
How often will I get a playable hand?
On the button about 44% of hands; under the gun only about 1 in 6.