We cover the 10 best starting hands, or pairs of pocket cards, to be holding in your game of Texas Holdem so it is only fitting t cover the 5 worst starting hands you could be holding. The general rule of thumb if you are holding any of these 5 losing combinations? Fold and walk away!

1) 2-7 (offsuit)
By Far the worst start you could have for your game. You have no chance at a straight draw or flush draw and chances are you would be beaten with a pair of 7s. There is the remote chance at a full house with this hand but it is clearly not taking the risk waiting for this to occur. FOLD!

2) 2-8 (offsuit)
Only slightly better than the 2-7 draw, this combination cried out for you to fold from the start. Why is it slightly better? A pair of 8s will beat the poor soul with a pair of 7s! The straight draw or flush is once again out of the question with this combination and the cards are screaming at you to fold!

3) 3-8 (offsuit)
Once again you are left without the chance of a straight draw or flush draw and left with hoping for a pair of 8s. At this point you may be hoping for the chance at a full house, dont do it! It is time to fold and wait on a better hand, like one of the 10 best outlined in another article.

4) 2-9 (offsuit)
A pair of 9s may beat out the 8s above but this is still a combination crying out to be folded.

5) 2-6 (offsuit)
You are left with a chance at the low straight draw and not much else with this combination. You are best served folding from the offset and waiting for a hand that will give you a fighting chance.

There are the five pairs of pocket cards that should have you folding as soon as you can. For those brave enough to continue on with your play after drawing any of these killer combinations, may luck be on your side! Being aware of the best and worst combinations will help strengthen your overall game and help make your stay at the table more successful. Long shots do come in on occasion but the disciplined player usually walks away from the table happy.