Starting hand

In poker, the initial set of cards dealt to each player before any volutary betting takes place is called the starting hand. For example, in Seven-card stud this is two downcards and one upcard; in Texas hold'em it is two downcards; in Five-card draw it is five cards.

The one decision made by every poker player on every deal of every game is whether or not to continue playing that hand after seeing that first set of cards. Since making this decision correctly will lead to the most long-run profit for a skilled player, players often put considerable study into what the appropriate starting hand standards are for the game being played.

Optimal starting hand standards can be very sensitive to factors such as the betting structure of a game, position, and the character of the other players, as well as the rules of the game being played.

See also : Poker