Ultimate ranking of starting hands

A

ambivalent

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There are a lot of information on the net about which hand and position should we open raise at pre-flop. For example, in 6-max no-limit holdem game, it is generally recommended to open-raise 12% of hands from UTG against standard players. However, these sources are not consistent about which 12% it is. So, when we select our starting hand ranges how do we rank all these 169 hole card combinations? Ranking them according to showdown equity does not seem reasonable enough since in most hands we don't even see the river card. However, ranking them according to flop equity would also miss a lot of the potential of these hands. For example, suited cards would often not be seen reasonably strong as compared with their off-suit counterparts. So, what do you think?
 
George Lewis

George Lewis

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I will say I used to be concerned about this but have moved on to choosing which hands to play based on the current game and situation I am in as well as avoiding certain hands that may give me trouble. I seem far less likely for example to play trashy aces. As a base line any old chart off the internet is fine but so much more goes into it. I will open raise constantly if everyone always folds. For me it is nitpicking to worry about this. Beginners should observe the game they are in and take notes.
 
A

ambivalent

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I think "choosing which hands to play based on the current game and situation" refers to deciding your hand range to be top x% according to your position and other players on the table. However, i think that there should be an optimum ranking of hands to choose that "top x%" from for any situation. Correct me if I am wrong.
 
A

ambivalent

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Let me give an example from the internet.

This link provides some starting hand recommendations for utg position in 6-max cash game which includes bunch of suited connectors and one gap suited connectors in the top 13% range.
https://www.pokerstrategy.com/strategy/bss/utg-pre-flop-ranges/1/

However, the video at below includes some Axs instead of suited connectors etc. while recommending similar percentages for the same position.
https://youtu.be/FnXJe9hACeU?t=20

I wonder which one is more optimal, and I also want to know the underlying fact which makes one of them is more correct.
 
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6bet me

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If you're playing against deep-stacked calling stations, then it's recommended that you fill your range up with speculative hands, such as pocket pairs, suited Aces and suited connectors, since implied odds will be very high (you'll get paid off the times when you hit your hand).

If you're playing against decent regs, then you should have a mix of speculative hands and high cards.

If you're playing a bit shorter-stacked than usual (eg. lots of 40bb stacks around), then it's recommended that you put more high cards and less speculative hands in your range.

So I agree with all the people that say you should adjust your opening range depending upon stack sizes and table dynamics.
 
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