How much money would you be willing to put in a pot with a five high pre flop? Why do so many poker players prefer to see an eight to go along with that nine in their hand? The suited connector has become an extremely popular starting hand amongst today’s poker players. But how valuable is it statistically? Personally, I am not a huge fan of getting a good chunk of my money in with a 7,8 of diamonds unless I am extremely short stacked. You are almost guaranteed to be the underdog if you are heads up with a caller, and I am more of a fan of getting my money in the pot when I’m favored. That is the key to winning at poker, I will put my money in the pot when I am favored now matter how much.

I can’t understand how people can expect to consistently win when you keep putting money in the pot on semi-decent hands and weak draws. The statistics don’t add up in the long run. I have heard people defend these hands by saying “You can bust someone if you hit,” but isn’t that true with all hands? I could play a 7 3 off suit in early position, flop bottom two pair, and knock out someone who flopped top pair. Yet this would always be considered a bad play. When you play suited connectors, you are pretty much looking to flop a draw. I am always willing to see a cheap flop or try to buy a pot with a decent draw, but I can’t see calling a quarter of my stack to try and catch. Don’t get me wrong though, I completely agree with the aggressive style of play, but calling is never aggressive.

I have recently seen a lot more people playing loose rather than aggressive, and more often than not I see these players making an early exit. I’m not saying you should never play suited connectors, it would just be nice to see a little more discretion when playing a statistically average starting hand.

Written by Jason Bisnett

Jason is a very experienced Poker Player. We are very happy to have him on our staff. To ask Jason a question, visit our Forum our email him at JBisnett@stackspokeronline.com