What are suited connectors?

If you are dealt two cards (Hole Cards) that are numerically concurrent, for example the 7 of clubs and the 8 of clubs, these are referred to as “Suited Connectors”. The opinion on whether this type of hole cards show strength are split down the middle. One side consider connectors as a potentially strong hand. Other considers them completely useless. However, players who consider them useless may not know how to effectively play them.

The strength of connector’s lies in the possibility of forming a strong flush or straight. Keep in mind that connectors have the potential to grow into a very big hand in conjunction with the community cards.  What a beginner must remember is that these big hands are not easy to make.
 
Suited connectors are best played with a larger number of players in the pot. This way if you actually make the hand, you have a good chance of finding an opponent who has caught a piece of the action and will pay off. When playing against a single opponent, if he gets even the smallest whiff of a flush he will fold.

Some Weaknesses
The real test for this hand comes on the flop. Therefore you should try and see it as cheaply as possible. If you happen to get a flop that gives you four cards to a flush or straight, then more than likely you are going to stick around for the turn.

However, if the flop doesn’t help, then it’s unlikely you are going to pay to see another card. Because you are facing multiple opponents, bluffing with this hand is not the best idea. You might bluff one person, possibly even two, but with three or more opponents, someone is likely to have hit something on the flop and will be calling your bluff.

If you do happen to get this killer hand, then of course making a good wager is recommended. The fact is you need to try and build a pot and with multiple opponents in the hand someone is likely to push some chips.

Playing suited connectors is all about picking your spots and making careful decisions about when to stay in the hand and when to quit. Learn to master this hand and it will become a valued part of your strategies.