Why early raises are large
Preflop uncertainty is highest, but strong starting hands can put four units behind an advantage. Checking keeps later options but sacrifices the opportunity to wager four times.
The best decision compares conditional expected value, not merely the chance the hand will win.
Unpaired boundaries
Any ace raises. King hands raise at K-5 or better, while K-2 through K-4 require matching suits. Queen hands raise at Q-8 or better, while Q-6 and Q-7 require matching suits.
J-10 raises regardless of suit; J-8 and J-9 raise only when suited. Lower unpaired hands check.
Pairs
Pairs 3-3 and higher make the four-times raise. Pocket deuces check because their equity and improvement profile fall below the boundary.
There is no preflop fold. A checked hand retains the two-times and one-times decisions.
Simplified versus optimal
A compact chart is designed for table use. Exact composition-dependent strategy can distinguish suit relationships beyond the simple groups.
Published performance must state whether it models optimal play or the simplified chart.
Practical checklist
- Raise any ace
- Raise K-5+ and suited K-2 through K-4
- Raise Q-8+
- Raise suited Q-6/Q-7
- Raise J-10 and suited J-8/J-9
- Raise pairs 3-3+
- Check everything else
Rules, probabilities, and payouts apply only to the model stated on this page. Posted casino rules control when they differ. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.