Playing Ace-10 in Texas Holdem

Texas Holdem, Hand Selection
August 12 2008

Ace-10 is named after legendary poker great Johnny Moss. However, just because A-10 is named after one of the greatest poker players who ever lived doesn’t mean it’s unbeatable.

A-10 is a strong hand in Texas Holdem poker, but it’s highly overrated by many novice players. The ace is what players overvalue without realizing the weakness in the 10. A 10 isn’t a great kicker, and you’re really going to need some luck to make better than a pair on the board.

Pre-flop A-10 is more of a calling hand than a betting hand. If another player raises ahead of you don’t be afraid to dump your A-10, because you’re dominated by A-K, A-Q and A-J just for starters. The only time you may want to bet out or raise with A-10 is when you’re playing short-handed, short-stacked, or when you think you can steal the pot from a late position.

Most of the time if you don’t catch a piece of the flop with A-10 you’ll want to fold, unless you think you can force your opponent to fold with a well-placed bet. Chasing after a gutshot straight is almost never a smart move with A-10: You’re likely behind in the hand while chasing it, and if you don’t make your hand you’re still behind and it has cost you chips to go absolutely nowhere.

Playing A-10 in Texas Holdem requires persistence, patience and the ability to fold when your hand turns out to be no good on the board. If these three things aren’t part of your poker arsenal you should likely avoid playing A-10, especially in early position.

• More poker tips for: Texas Holdem, Hand Selection
• Complete poker tips archive