How to play pocket queens (QQ) in Hold'em
Pocket queens (QQ) are the third-best starting hand. They’re strong enough to raise and 3-bet almost always, but unlike aces and kings, they often face overcards: an ace or king comes on the flop about 41% of the time. Play them aggressively preflop and carefully after an overcard.
How strong are queens?
Section titled “How strong are queens?”| QQ against | QQ wins about |
|---|---|
| A random hand | 80% |
| J-J | 81% |
| A-K offsuit | 57% |
| K-K | 18% |
| A-A | 18% |
Preflop
Section titled “Preflop”- Raise when first in, 3-bet against raises. See 3-bet.
- Facing a 4-bet: against loose or aggressive players, go all-in; against a very tight player who rarely 4-bets, calling or even folding can be right with deep stacks.
- In tournaments with under about 40 big blinds, getting all-in with QQ is usually correct.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- No ace or king: bet for value. Queens are usually best. See value betting.
- Ace or king on the flop: slow down against players who called your raise; many of them have an ace or king. Bet small or check and see how they react.
- Wet boards: bet to charge draws, but be careful against big raises.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Folding QQ preflop at low stakes because “someone must have AA”.
- Paying off big bets on A-x-x boards.
- Slow playing queens and letting overcards come cheaply.
See also pocket kings, pocket jacks and ace-king.
How strong are pocket queens?
Section titled “How strong are pocket queens?”The third-best starting hand, behind pocket aces and pocket kings.
How often does an ace or king flop when you hold QQ?
Section titled “How often does an ace or king flop when you hold QQ?”About 41% of the time.
Is QQ vs AK a coin flip?
Section titled “Is QQ vs AK a coin flip?”Close: queens win about 57% against A-K offsuit.
Should you fold queens to a 4-bet?
Section titled “Should you fold queens to a 4-bet?”Rarely at low stakes. Against a very tight player with deep stacks, it can be right.