Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best indicator of strength: Expected value (EV)
- Best time to do X: Best time to evaluate: Immediately after the deal
- Biggest mistake: Overvaluing weak made hands
- Pro tip: Potential beats comfort when EV is higher
What “Starting Hand Strength” Really Means
Starting hand strength isn’t about:
- how good the hand looks
- whether it pays right now
It’s about:
- how much value it can produce
- how often it improves
- what outcomes it unlocks
A hand that looks weak can be strong. A hand that pays can be weak.
Made Hands vs Potential Hands
Two broad categories matter:
Made hands
- already qualify for a payout
- feel safe
- may cap future value
Potential hands
- don’t pay yet
- offer strong draw opportunities
- often have higher EV
Correct evaluation compares these two directly.
High-Value Starting Hand Patterns
Hands that usually rank high:
- four cards to a royal flush
- four cards to a straight flush
- three of a kind
- four cards to a flush
- high pairs
These hands offer either:
- strong immediate payouts
- or powerful draw potential
Why Four to a Royal Beats Many Winners
A classic example:
- low straight (pat hand)
- versus four to a royal
Even though the straight pays now, four to a royal:
- has massive upside
- offers better long-term EV
This is why many pat hands are broken correctly.
Low-Value Starting Hands to Watch Out For
Hands that feel strong but aren’t:
- low pairs
- weak pat straights
- unsuited high cards
They pay often, but:
- payouts are small
- improvement odds are limited
Comfort hides weakness.
How Expected Value Guides Evaluation
EV answers one question:
“On average, what is this hand worth if I play it correctly?”
Higher EV wins—even when it loses short-term.
Evaluating starting hand strength means comparing EVs, not emotions.
The Role of Paytables
The same hand can:
- rank differently
- based on paytable
For example:
- flush value changes
- full house value changes
Always evaluate strength in context of the exact machine.
Variant-Specific Evaluation Differences
Different games shift priorities:
Jacks or Better
- favors steady value
- keeps pairs more often
Deuces Wild
- prioritizes wild-card potential
- breaks made hands frequently
Bonus Poker Variants
- elevate four-of-a-kind value
Never use one evaluation mindset everywhere.
Starting Hand Strength and Variance
High-potential hands:
- increase variance
- unlock big wins
Safe hands:
- smooth sessions
- limit upside
Your bankroll determines which strength profile fits best.
Multi-Hand Starting Hand Decisions
In multi-hand games:
- one evaluation applies to all hands
- errors multiply quickly
This makes accurate evaluation even more important.
Speed vs Accuracy
Strong players:
- evaluate quickly
- but never rush
Speed comes from recognition, not shortcuts.
Training Your Eye to Spot Strong Hands
Best ways to improve:
- practice with training software
- review strategy charts
- slow down initially
Recognition becomes automatic with repetition.
Common Evaluation Mistakes
Players often:
- overvalue guaranteed payouts
- undervalue draw potential
- ignore paytable differences
These errors quietly reduce RTP.
Online vs Casino Evaluation
The evaluation rules:
- never change
Online play just:
- increases speed
- compresses mistakes faster
Discipline matters more online.
FAQs on Starting Hand Strength
Is a Pat Hand Always Strong?
No. EV decides strength.
Are Drawing Hands Usually Stronger?
Sometimes—if upside is large.
Does Hand Strength Change by Variant?
Yes, significantly.
Can Strategy Charts Replace Evaluation?
Charts guide evaluation—but understanding helps.
Does Bet Size Affect Evaluation?
No. Only paytable and variant do.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how to evaluate starting hand strength, the next step is choosing the right video poker machine for your goals.
Next Article: How to Choose the Best Video Poker Machine Based on Goals (article #25)
Next Steps
If you want payout context, read: How Payout Frequency Changes Across Game Types (article #23)
If you want machine selection next, read: How to Choose the Best Video Poker Machine Based on Goals (article #25)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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