Hand combinations in poker: counting combos
Combos (combinations) are the number of ways a specific hand can be dealt. Counting combos tells you how likely each part of your opponent’s range is. The basics: a pocket pair has 6 combos, an unpaired hand has 16 combos (4 suited + 12 offsuit).
The basic numbers
Section titled “The basic numbers”| Hand type | Combos | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket pair | 6 | A♠A♥, A♠A♦, A♠A♣, A♥A♦, A♥A♣, A♦A♣ |
| Unpaired, suited | 4 | A♠K♠, A♥K♥, A♦K♦, A♣K♣ |
| Unpaired, offsuit | 12 | A♠K♥, A♠K♦ … |
| Unpaired, all | 16 | All A-K hands |
There are 1,326 possible starting hands in total.
Cards you can see remove combos
Section titled “Cards you can see remove combos”If one ace is on the board or in your hand, only 3 aces remain:
- A-A: from 6 combos down to 3.
- A-K: from 16 down to 12 (3 aces × 4 kings).
If you hold A-K and the board is A-K-x: A-A has 1 combo, K-K has 1, and A-K has 4.
Why it matters: example
Section titled “Why it matters: example”The board is K♠ 9♦ 4♣. Your opponent raises big. You think they have a set or a king with a good kicker.
| Hand | Combos |
|---|---|
| K-K (set) | 3 |
| 9-9 (set) | 3 |
| 4-4 (set) | 3 |
| A-K | 12 |
| K-Q | 12 |
| Total | 33 |
Sets are 9 of 33 combos (about 27%); top pair hands are 24 of 33. If you have two pair, you’re ahead of most of that range.
- Count combos only for the hands that fit the action. See hand ranges.
- Use blockers: your cards remove combos from your opponent’s range.
- Compare the share of bluffs with the pot odds before a tough call. See hero call.
How many combos does a pocket pair have?
Section titled “How many combos does a pocket pair have?”Six.
How many combos does an unpaired hand like A-K have?
Section titled “How many combos does an unpaired hand like A-K have?”Sixteen: four suited and twelve offsuit.
How many starting hands are there in Hold’em?
Section titled “How many starting hands are there in Hold’em?”1,326 combinations.
How does a card on the board change combos?
Section titled “How does a card on the board change combos?”It removes combos: with one ace visible, A-A has 3 combos and A-K has 12.