Poker Tip of the Day - Playing Suited Connectors

One of the more difficult skills to perfect in Limit Texas Holdem is how to handle suited connector cards. It’s tougher in limit games because of just that; it’s limited. Limit Holdem is more about fundamentals and true play and less of a bettor’s game where bluffing and psychology are not nearly the factors that they are in No-Limit Holdem.

We know that ace-king suited is a great suited hand to play in online poker but other suited hands are more difficult to play. Starting suited hands like king-queen, queen-jack, jack-10, 10-9, 9-8, 8-7, 7-6 are best played carefully.

You always have to remember that Limit is different than No-Limit and that is why suited connectors have more value in No-Limit Holdem. You can potentially win a huge pot in No-Limit Holdem playing suited connectors and you can oftentimes get in cheaply.

In Limit Holdem your potential wins will be smaller and it continually costs you money if you go chasing after pots.

You should know that suited connectors should not be played most of the time in Limit Texas Holdem and even when they are, they must be played correctly. You must also realize that it’s far more likely that you will be dealt two non-suited cards than suited.

Players that play suited connectors at Limit Holdem tables can get good draws like flush draws which are much stronger than straight draws and easier to hit. A flush draw not only is more powerful than a straight but also has the advantage of having more outs.

The biggest problem with playing the off-suit connectors is that you'll be entering more pots with a marginal hand than you would if you only play them suited. Even if your straight hits you still face the legitimate threat of losing to a flush and even losing to a higher straight.

If you only play suited connectors instead of non-suited connectors it cuts down on your garbage hands and hands that potentially can get you into a lot of trouble.

The bottom line with suited connectors is that if you have to chase for value it is unlikely you will find it when playing these hands in Limit Holdem.  They are far more valuable in No-Limit Texas Holdem so keep that in mind.