Hand Strength in Poker

Absolute strength is a hand's rank in the fixed hand rankings order, regardless of an opponent's hand. It is an objective measure, for example, in Texas Hold'em, a full house ranks higher than a flush and below four of a kind.

Relative strength is how strong a hand is when the possible hands an opponent may hold are considered. A hand with a lot of absolute strength can hold little relative strength on a dangerous board, and a hand with little absolute strength can hold a lot of relative strength on an uneventful board.

In Texas Hold'em, the relative strength of a hand can change considerably as the community cards develop. If the board becomes co-ordinated, for example, by containing cards of consecutive rank or of the same suit, then high pairs will see their relative strength reduce, because higher ranked hands like straights and flushes become possible.

Relative strength also depends on the opponent's range, the hands likely to be held given the action. The likely range of a player that has 4-bet pre-flop is different to a player who has checked the big blind.

The peak of hand strength is the nuts, the best hand available on a board, and is covered on the nuts page.

Relative strength varies between made hands and drawing hands. A made hand has current showdown strength, while a drawing hand has the potential to improve to a stronger made hand. As the board and possible holdings change from street to street, the relative strength of a hand can also change.

Hand strength matters because a decision rests on relative strength, not rank alone. A hand that looks strong by its ranking can be weak when considering what an opponent may hold. Hands should be judged against the likely range of an opponent, not the ranking chart alone.