Here is a quick guide to the best starting hands in Texas Hold'em. If you start with any of these hands you are in excellent shape and should look to raise pre-flop to cut out the limpers.

#1 = ACE-ACE

This is the best possible starting hand when playing Texas Hold'em poker. Pocket Aces will win you more pots than any other starting hand. Also known as American Airlines, Pocket Rockets and bullets.

#2 = KING-KING

Pocket King's is the second best starting hand, it is very strong and will also win you alot of pots. King's are only dominated by Aces pre-flop so look to play the hand aggressively before the flop. Also known as 'Cowboy's'.

#3 = QUEEN-QUEEN

Two Queens are only behind pocket Aces and Kings pre-flop so you are still in very good shape here. You must be cautious however because its common for players to call with any Ace or King and end up hitting their cards. Also known as 'Ladies'.

#4 = ACE-KING

Ace-King, also known as 'Big Slick', is a strong but tricky hand to play. Pre-flop anything is beating you - even pocket two's, so be cautious because you basically have nothing so far. Of course if you hit an Ace or King you have the best possible kicker, and also if they are suited you will have the chance of nut flush draw.

#5 = JACK-JACK

A pair of Jacks will win almost 20% of the time at a ten handed table. If the flop shows a Queen, King or Ace you should be cautious because its very possible your opponents will now be leading you.

#6 = ACE-QUEEN

Ace-Queen is the second best drawing hand in Texas Hold'em, with Ace-King being the best. It will win around 20% of the time and also great kickers if you happen to hit a pair.

#7 = KING-QUEEN

King-Queen is another very strong drawing card with good kickers. Only afraid of an Ace falling on the board, you should win alot of hands when starting with this - remember to raise pre-flop though.

#8 = ACE-JACK

Like above, Ace-Jack is another strong hand whether suited or not. It's much stronger when suited, and if you hit an Ace, be aware your opponents could be holding Ac-King or Ace-King.

#9 = KING-JACK

In later positions King-Jack is a very good hand to play, but is dominated by all the above hands. If an opponent puts in a big raise you should look to fold as they could easily have Aces etc. Suited this hand will win around 19% of the time, unsuited it will win just 15%.

#10 = ACE-TEN

Ace-Ten is still a good hand due to the Ace, but be aware of playing it too strongly. You could quite easily be outkicked. However you could hit the miracle straight flush if the cards are suited, if unsuited you could hit a straight, but with just a pair of Aces be wary of being outkicked.

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