Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

Lollipop Hand

Lollipop hand is a nickname for ace-queen, A-Q.

The simple explanation

Ace-queen is a strong hand that makes top pair with a good kicker. It is dominated by ace-king.

A closer look

Ace-queen is a good raising hand, but it is risky when an ace comes and an opponent has ace-king. It is stronger when suited. The nickname is a mnemonic.

A practical example

You are dealt A♥ Q♦ and say, 'Lollipop.'

Full explanation

Lollipop hand is a nickname for ace-queen, A-Q.

Lollipop hand is ace-queen.

It is a strong hand.

It is dominated by ace-king.

It is stronger when suited.

Lollipop hand

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 with ace and queen. Players call this hand Lollipop hand.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 10 of diamonds (Td)3 of clubs (3c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

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