Do you ever have a hand you just hate playing?

dzsire

dzsire

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
May 8, 2021
Total posts
1,942
Awards
2
HU
Poker Chips
1,028
Casino Coins
35
  • #51
It's the same with 'hated' cards as it is with 'favorites'. If you have feelings for a card, there's a chance that you'll play it differently (more attached to it or more hated) than you should. Of course, there are cards that you don't like, but that doesn't mean you'll win with them on another day.
 
bremp555

bremp555

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jun 29, 2019
Total posts
322
Awards
1
BR
Poker Chips
360
Casino Coins
10
  • #52
For me, an uncomfortable hand is usually one where I am not familiar with the decision tree for that specific spot. The problem is not necessarily the hand itself, but playing a situation I have studied very little.
 
Mazembe

Mazembe

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Total posts
452
NA
Poker Chips
665
Casino Coins
10
  • #53
AK is a very tricky one to be honest, when I have it, it always misses and goes bad, but when you're up against it, it will humble you
 
K

khushalprem

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 4, 2026
Total posts
117
MY
Poker Chips
71
Casino Coins
0
  • #54
Yes—Ace-rag (like A2 or A5 offsuit) is one of the trickiest hands to play. It looks strong because of the Ace, but it's often dominated by better Aces and can get you into expensive situations. Small pocket pairs can also be frustrating when they miss a set. Discipline is knowing when to fold even hands that seem tempting.
 
istbno

istbno

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 14, 2015
Total posts
536
Awards
1
UA
Poker Chips
219
Casino Coins
0
  • #55
For me, it’s probably KJo. It’s clearly playable in the right position and against the right opponents, but I never feel completely comfortable with it. It’s strong enough to get you into trouble, especially when you pair the king or jack and face serious aggression. I’m much happier playing it in position against a weaker range than from early position or against a tight opponent. It’s one of those hands where folding can sometimes feel better than trying to convince yourself it’s stronger than it really is.
 
8

888NOX888

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Dec 12, 2019
Total posts
982
Awards
1
Poker Chips
890
Casino Coins
0
  • #56
Every starting hand in poker is good in its own way. Some people like the same cards, while others are intimidated by them.
 
dreamer13

dreamer13

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Mar 18, 2022
Total posts
5,790
Awards
1
LV
Poker Chips
1,807
Casino Coins
75
  • #57
We choose which cards to play, which cards to put away; we form our own game plan and strategy.I think a big part of it is the feeling of control and the loss of it.
 
W

wushibala

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jun 23, 2025
Total posts
439
UA
Poker Chips
495
Casino Coins
0
  • #58
Yeah, for me it's AJ. That hand gives me the most problems. 😂
 
N

NINA17

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 12, 2026
Total posts
40
UA
Poker Chips
59
Casino Coins
0
  • #59
For me, that hand is definitely Pocket Jacks (JJ). It always feels tricky to play post-flop, especially when overcards hit the board. No matter how strong they look pre-flop, I always feel a bit uncomfortable playing them in big pots!
 
Atararo14

Atararo14

Visionary
Bronze Level
Joined
May 28, 2020
Total posts
856
Awards
5
MA
Poker Chips
361
Casino Coins
0
  • #60
Honestly, there isn't a single hand I hate playing. Sure, some hands are harder to play than others in certain situations, but it ultimately comes down to adaptation.
 
margmilo44

margmilo44

Rock Star
Bronze Level
Joined
May 27, 2025
Total posts
247
CA
Poker Chips
320
Casino Coins
0
  • #61
I definitely have a few hands I just don’t trust, especially A8 and K9. They always seem to get me into trouble when I make a pair and start thinking I’m ahead. Position and the players at the table make a huge difference, but sometimes the best play is just letting those problem hands go.
 
SergioV

SergioV

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 16, 2026
Total posts
239
Awards
1
UA
Poker Chips
186
Casino Coins
0
  • #62
Definitely pocket JJ. They look beautiful preflop, then the flop usually reminds me why I hate them. JJ is basically a toxic relationship — I know it’s bad for me, but I keep coming back.
 
rei signo

rei signo

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jul 23, 2021
Total posts
453
Awards
2
BR
Poker Chips
578
Casino Coins
5
  • #63
J-8 is a hand that never plays out well and is an easy fold.
 
Das991992

Das991992

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 4, 2025
Total posts
255
BD
Poker Chips
130
Casino Coins
35
  • #64
Pocket Jacks would probably be mine. They look great preflop, but once an overcard hits the board, suddenly every decision feels uncomfortable. 😂♠️
 
LUKADONCICMVP

LUKADONCICMVP

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Dec 3, 2022
Total posts
979
Awards
1
BR
Poker Chips
1,100
Casino Coins
5
  • #65
I hate playing all hands AA and KK as well
 
Starting Hands - Poker Hand Nicknames Rankings - Poker Hands
Top