Offsuit broadways: playing K-J, Q-J, K-10 and A-10 offsuit
Offsuit broadways are two unsuited cards from ten to ace: K-J, Q-J, K-10, Q-10, J-10, A-10 offsuit and similar. They look strong because both cards are high — but they’re tricky, because they’re often dominated by better broadways.
Why they’re tricky
Section titled “Why they’re tricky”When someone raises from early position, their range has lots of A-K, A-Q, K-Q, A-J. Your K-J makes top pair and still loses to a better kicker. See domination and kicker.
When to play them
Section titled “When to play them”| Situation | Usual play |
|---|---|
| Open from cutoff or button | Raise — good stealing hands. See stealing blinds |
| Open from early position | Mostly fold (except A-J, K-Q from middle position) |
| Facing a raise from early position | Fold most of them |
| Facing a late-position raise | Sometimes call in position or 3-bet the best ones (K-Q, A-J) |
| Facing a 3-bet | Fold |
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Top pair: usually worth one or two streets of value. Be careful against big raises — you’re often up against a better kicker or two pair. See playing top pair.
- Straight draws: broadways make the highest straights, which is a plus (e.g. K-J on Q-10-x).
- Missed: c-bet good boards heads-up; check-fold multiway.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Calling early-position raises with K-J or Q-J.
- Stacking off with top pair, weak kicker.
- Playing them like premium hands from every seat.
See also preflop cheat sheet and A-Q, A-J and K-Q.
What are offsuit broadways?
Section titled “What are offsuit broadways?”Two unsuited cards from ten to ace, like K-J, Q-J, K-10 or A-10 offsuit.
Why are hands like K-J offsuit tricky?
Section titled “Why are hands like K-J offsuit tricky?”They are often dominated by stronger broadways, so top pair can lose to a better kicker.
Where should I open offsuit broadways?
Section titled “Where should I open offsuit broadways?”Mostly from the cutoff and button.
Should I call an early raise with K-J offsuit?
Section titled “Should I call an early raise with K-J offsuit?”Usually no; fold most offsuit broadways to early-position raises.