How to play suited connectors in poker
Suited connectors are two cards of the same suit and consecutive ranks, such as 8♥ 7♥ or 6♠ 5♠. They rarely make a big hand, but when they do it’s often a hidden straight or flush that can win a big pot. They need deep stacks and position to be profitable.
How often they hit
Section titled “How often they hit”| With a suited connector you flop | About |
|---|---|
| A flush draw or better | 11% |
| An open-ended straight draw or better | 10% |
| Two pair or better | 5–6% |
| A pair | 27% |
Most of the time you’ll flop little, so you want to see flops cheaply.
When to play them
Section titled “When to play them”- Late position (cutoff, button): open-raise or call a single raise.
- Deep stacks, 100 big blinds or more, so the big hands can win big pots.
- Against one or two opponents who pay off with one pair.
- In the big blind against late-position raises. See big blind defence.
When to fold them
Section titled “When to fold them”- From early position at a full table.
- Facing a 3-bet with normal stacks.
- With short stacks in tournaments: they play poorly all-in.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- With a strong draw, bet or raise as a semi-bluff. See when to bluff.
- With a weak pair, play carefully: you often have a poor kicker.
- When you make a straight or flush, value bet; watch out for higher flushes. See the nuts.
Suited gappers
Section titled “Suited gappers”Hands like 9♣ 7♣ (one-gappers) are similar but a little weaker. Play them in the same spots, only slightly less often.
See also starting hands and set mining.
What are suited connectors?
Section titled “What are suited connectors?”Two cards of the same suit and consecutive ranks, like 8♥ 7♥.
Are suited connectors good hands?
Section titled “Are suited connectors good hands?”They’re profitable in late position with deep stacks, but weak from early position or with short stacks.
How often do suited connectors flop a flush draw?
Section titled “How often do suited connectors flop a flush draw?”About 11% of the time, including flushes.
Should you call a 3-bet with suited connectors?
Section titled “Should you call a 3-bet with suited connectors?”Usually not with normal stacks; they need cheap flops and deep stacks.