Hello all,
This has to be one of the most controversial area's in poker..... The best Drawing hand.
J/10s has to be by far the best in my opinion (but a lot of people will disaggree) and here is my argument.
With J/10s in the hole you have the best possabilities to flop many semi-bluff (not making a hand on the flop but can try to buy the pot with the odds in you're favour to make a premium hand to allow a caller) opportunities.
Here are my findings:-
The odds of hitting on the flop are in the first brackets and the odds of completing the hand in the second set of brackets.
Flopping:-
Any 2 suited cards (8.09/1) for the flush draw giving you 9 outs (1.857/1 to complete with turn and river)
Any KQ, Q9 or 9/8 (8.57/1) for the straight draw giving you 8 outs (2.174/1 to complete with turn and river)
J or 10 as top pair (2.07/1). Use this to increase you're outage and thus the risk of chips you are prepared to throw in the pot.
The comparison with AKs:-
Any 2 suited cards (The same but it is unlikely that if you have a flush draw that anyone else will with 8/1 meaning that in a ten handed game only one (you) in eight will hit the flush draw, theoretically making J/10s strong as it is umlikely there will be another flush draw out there. If someone calls with just A,K,Q of same suit they are betting on a runner, runner. Unlikely.)
QJ, J/10 or Q/10 on the flop will give you 4 outs plus 6 outs with overcards(1.6/1 with turn and river) to improve you're hand. Okay, this is the position you want to be in. however the chances of getting it on the flop are 8.57/1 but if you're A/K is suited, well you're laughing. Although with the J/10s you flop the 9s-8s-x then you have 9 suited (2 to 7 and Q to A) cards, 6 open ended cards (7us and Qus) and the 6 overpair cards (J and 10) giving you the maximum of 21 outs. The AK max'sout at 18 outs (minus the three open ended str cards).
A or K as top pair (strong domninant hand, but if you're chasing the premium hands, no good! and just a pair can be beaten if the flop falls for someone chasing the str/fl. Tread carefully. Study the flop for str/fl opportunities.)
Any suited connector (between 5/4 and J10) has the same odds as J/10, but you also have to look at the high pair equity as well. This is where positional play comes in. I.e. the lower the connector, the later position you should play.
One gap cards (5/3 to Q/10 inc Q/J and 4/3) also have good str qualities. They have 11.37/1 chance for the straight draw and can be very good value if played correctly. The one gap (8/6 for example) can give you a good hidden straight draw.
If my odds are wrong please inform me of this
The closing argument has to be the fact that with J/10 you have more permutations to hit the straight with flush draw and overcard possabilities. I am sure that a lot of people will disaggree with me.
Do not get me wrong, the A/K is a dominant hand if you are happy with risking all with top pair and hoping for lesser straight chances but the nut flush is also there for the taking I suppose.
Please reply as I do appreciate constructive critical feedback.
Thankyou for reading and hope you find it interesting.
Take care and GL at the tables,
Dom
