Top 5 Trouble Hands for Beginner Poker Players

The big difference between a beginner getting a trouble hand and a professional landing one, is that professionals are able to fold difficult poker hands much quicker, without investing much into the pot. Knowing the right time to fold comes with experience and practice, and professionals will be able to spot a particularly tricky hand earlier on. Some hands are simply harder for rookies to play than others — that’s just how it is.

The poker hands we’ve listed below, for example, are particularly troublesome for both beginners and pros alike. Here are our top five trouble hands for beginner poker players.

1) Ace-Jack

To everyone who is still in the beginner-to-intermediate stages of poker, do we have some solid advice for you: Ace-jack is not a premium hand.

In fact, it's not really even a good hand. I know it looks spiffy when you peel back your two off the felt, but you're going to have to trust us on this one.

Unless you're heads-up, you have to treat A-J the same as A-T rather than playing it as if it's A-K. Playing poker hands like A-J incorrectly is a common poker mistake.

2) King-Ten

Above all other potential candidates, king-ten has been awarded the title of "sucker's hand." If you're holding this hand, there are significantly more boards that will give you the second nuts or a bad beat than boards that will win you the pot.

If you don't flop broadway, you're in a rough spot. Flopping the top pair of kings will almost certainly pit you against a king with a higher kicker. Flopping a pair of tens is rarely the top pair, and if it's not, you have straights to look out for.

Flopping two pair again puts you at risk against a straight, and you're going to run into more two pair-versus-sets scenarios with this hand, because people are playing all the pocket tens and pocket kings they're dealt. Avoiding these poker traps is key to developing better decision-making.

3) King-Jack

This one’s like king-ten, but a little less dangerous. The reduced risk, comparatively speaking, gives this hand the appearance of being more powerful than it really is.

Again, if you flop two pair, you're going to have to watch out for sets, and you still have to worry about kicker problems on one pair. This is one of the marginal hands in poker that can lead to serious losses if not handled carefully.

This hand is better left in the muck than overplayed.

4) Pocket Jacks

Believe it or not, this is the second-most-overplayed hand in poker. Pocket jacks is a top five hand and is a powerhouse compared to almost any random hand you can be dealt.

But if you raise it pre-flop, the only hands that ever call you are far ahead, or a coin flip (excluding the odd lower pair).

Played properly, this can be a very profitable hand. Overplayed (as amateurs tend to do), it will cost you a large percentage of your roll. No matter how strong your hand is before the flop, after the flop (unless you hit your set) you only have one pair. Understanding poker hand strategy with pocket jacks is crucial to avoid common poker mistakes.

5) Ace-Queen

Ace-Queen is the biggest trouble hand for beginners and amateurs alike. 

We won't rehash our advice on how to play A-Q again here. Instead, read up on ace-queen poker hand strategies and get your head around it. It just might save you some serious heartache.

If You Think You're Beat, You Probably Are

As a beginner, the one rule you should always remember is "If you think you're beat in a hand, you probably are."

These five hands we’ve outlined above obviously don't cover every sticky situation a beginner is likely to encounter at the felt — there are more and as you get better and better at poker, you’ll start to learn how to spot them. Additionally, we’re not saying you should never play these hands - if you do, just ensure you play them with due diligence — approach with caution!

Trouble Hands in Poker: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are certain poker hands considered "trouble hands" for beginners?
Trouble hands are often those that can lead to significant losses if not played carefully. Beginners may overvalue these hands, thinking they are stronger than they are, which can lead to costly mistakes. Experience helps players recognize the risks and manage these hands more effectively.

2. What should I do if I get dealt a trouble hand like Ace-Jack or King-Ten?
If you receive a trouble hand, it's crucial to assess the situation carefully. Consider your position, the actions of other players, and the community cards. It may be wise to play conservatively, fold, or only continue in the hand if the odds are in your favor.

3. How can I improve my decision-making with trouble hands?
Improving decision-making with trouble hands involves practice and studying poker strategies. Pay attention to the betting patterns of opponents and be mindful of the board texture. Analyzing your past hands and learning when to fold can also enhance your game.

4. Are trouble hands always bad to play, or can they be profitable in certain situations?
While trouble hands come with risks, they can be played profitably in specific situations, especially if you are aware of the potential pitfalls. Understanding their limitations and approaching them with caution can sometimes lead to favorable outcomes.

5. What is the key takeaway regarding playing poker hands as a beginner?
The key takeaway is to be cautious and aware of the strength of your hand relative to the situation. If you feel like you might be beaten, trust your instincts—it's often the right call to fold. Gaining experience and knowledge will help you make better decisions in the long run.