Connector
A connector is a starting hand whose two cards are consecutive in rank, such as J-10 or 8-7.
The simple explanation
Connectors are two cards that follow each other in rank, like jack-ten or eight-seven. They are valuable because they can make straights. When they are also of the same suit, they are suited connectors. Beginners should know that connectors are not automatically good. A pair of nines is stronger than a ten-nine in most spots.
A closer look
Connectors make strong hands less often than pairs, but when they do, their hands are disguised. Their value is highest in multiway pots and with deep stacks, where the payoff for hitting a straight or flush is large. Hands with more space between the cards, called gappers, have less straight potential. Hands such as K-Q are connected but also dominated by better ace hands. The difference between connectors and one-gappers is small, but one-gappers have fewer straights.
A practical example
A player is dealt J♥ 10♦: jack and ten are connectors.
Full explanation
A connector is a starting hand whose two cards are consecutive in rank, such as J-10 or 8-7.
A connector is a hold’em hand with two cards one rank apart. Examples are K-Q, J-10 and 7-6. The two cards can form a straight with many different boards.
When connectors share a suit, they can also make flushes, which is why suited connectors are considered the best of the group.
A connector is judged by its position, stack depth and the number of opponents. It mainly wins big pots when it connects, so it plays best in multiway pots with deep stacks.
Cards in the middle, such as 8-7, can make more straights than cards at the edge, such as A-2, because there are more ways to connect on both sides.
Consecutive ranks make connectors
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
A holds 7♠6♠ and B holds 9♣8♦. Both hands are connectors because their ranks are consecutive. A’s connectors are suited; B’s are offsuit.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
A holds 7♠6♠ and B holds 9♣8♦. Both hands are connectors because their ranks are consecutive. A’s connectors are suited; B’s are offsuit.
- Player A BTN / SB 77 of spades (7s)66 of spades (6s) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player B BB 99 of clubs (9c)88 of diamonds (8d) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.