Texas Holdem Hands: Suited Connectors

We analyze Texas Holdem hands with our Holdem hands calculator.

While many good poker players start out by sticking to premium Texas Holdem hands containing pairs and high cards, some of the top pros have been successful working with suited connector hands, hands that have straight and flush potential. Many players, as they progress in their Texas hold'em poker education, will want to experiment with suited connectors.

Playing Suited Connectors in Texas Hold'em Poker

Suited connectors are hands like 8s9s or JdTd, hands that have a better than average chance of making a straight or flush. Players like these hands because when they flop a strong hand, it is often well disguised. However, suited connectors can lead to danger as well.

Holdem Hands Calculator: Suited Connectors

You can use a Holdem hands calculator to find out how suited connectors match up against other Texas Holdem hands. These are some pre-flop examples.

Heads-up:

7s6s vs. AdAc - Win 22.87%, Tie 0.32%, Lose 76.81%
JhTh vs. 7d7c - Win 50.58%, Tie 0.48%, Lose 48.94%.

Multi-way pots:

7s-6s vs. AdAc, KsQh, 4d-4h - Win 18.48%, Tie 0.17%, Lose 81.35%
JhTh vs. 7d7c, As-Qs, 4d-4h - 27.14%, Tie 0.17%, Lose 72.69%

Thanks to the Holdem hands calculator we get an idea about how strong suited connectors really are. It's a good idea to test different scenarios like these to learn more about the game.

Dangers of Suited Connectors Post-Flop

The problems come when you have a hand like 8s 9s and the flop comes something 8d 9d Tc. You have two pair, which is a better than average hand. However, what do you do when someone bets? You may already be crushed by a hand like T9, T8 or QJ. However, it is very difficult to throw two pair away. If you flat call, you are giving someone with two diamonds or a hand like AJ or KQ a free chance to make a flush or straight that beats you. If you are not able to navigate these situations, you should be wary of playing suited connectors.

Handling Suited Connectors

You can play suited connectors in two ways. You can play them aggressively, representing the best hand from start to finish, or you can play them slowly, trying to flop something good cheaply and getting away immediately if you do not. You will have to decide which style is best for you. Whichever you choose, you will need experience and skill to be successful with these exciting but risky hands.