Most players know that the best way to start off in Texas Holdem is by playing premium cards. Hands where both cards are paired or are higher than ten are more appealing than other combinations. However, it is not uncommon to see players on television holding some very unusual hands. Is it ever okay to play two bad cards, or “rags”?

When Not to Play Rags in Poker

1. Favorite Poker Hands

Playing two cards simply because they are a “favorite” hand, or the favorite hand of someone you’ve seen on television, like Doyle Brunson’s T2, can be a mistake. You don’t want to put money into a pot with a non-premium hand without a plan. If not played correctly, hands like this can cost you much more money than they can make you.

2. Boredom

Playing any two cards because you are bored and “you never know,” is a recipe for disaster. It is costly for two reasons. First, when you repeatedly miss the flop and have to fold, you are wasting a lot of pre-flop money. More importantly, you stand a better chance of flopping the second or third best hand, allowing you to compound your error by putting in even more money to a pot that you will not win.

When to Play Rags in Poker

1. When You Are on a Roll

A good time to play rags in both online poker and live poker is when you are in late position and have been winning. If you’ve shown down a lot of good hands in the recent past, opponents will give you credit for a good hand when you bet with nothing, allowing you to win even more pots.

2. When You Are Advertising

Another good time to play rags is when you have the opportunity to steal a cheap pot. If you raise and take it down, you can show your rags and get action on your good hands when you bet later on in the game. Opponents have seen you can play garbage and will give you less credit for strength even when you have it.