Poker Hand Percentages In Holdem

Just how can knowing poker hand percentages effect our play? Imagine we’re sitting at a table during the late stages of a multi-table tournament, are getting slammed by blinds the size of Seattle, and look down at our hole cards to see two beautiful queens. We happily raise the blinds, and are distraught as the cut-off re-raises all in for his (and if we call…our) entire stack. When considering whether our opponent has us beat, it’s also worthwhile knowing just how badly we’re in shape if we call in this spot and the villain tables an overpair. To do this, it helps enormously to be aware of the poker hand percentages involved in hand situations which regularly arise in poker. For example, just what are the odds of winning when facing off with queens vs aces? Let’s take a look at some of the common examples.

Poker Pre Flop Odds & Probabilities

Probability of Being Dealt:
A Pocket Pair:
= 5.9%

Pocket Rockets:
= 0.45%

Two Suited Cards:
= 23.5%

Two Connected Cards:
= 15.7%

Odds & Probabilities of Hands Winning

The following are match ups typical of texas holdem. Note that the probabilities are estimates only and will be slightly dependent upon the actual cards in play.

Higher Pocket Pair vs Lower Pocket Pair
81.5% 18.5%

Over-Cards vs Lower Pocket Pair
46% 54%

Dominated Hand (AK v AJ)
75% 25%

Severely Dominated Hand (AA v AJ)
92.6% 7.4%

Two Unsuited Overcards vs Two Unsuited Undercards
63% 37%

It helps to memorize these and other poker hand percentages to assist with your decision making.

Click this link to view more poker hand percentages, including the likelihood of hitting hands on the flop, river and turn.