Poker Veteran of 50 years: Any Two Cards Can Win

As a poker player, you have heard the phrase “Any Two Cards” can win. But what does this really mean?

"Any Two Cards" can win

When playing Texas hold 'em, the “Any Two Cards” idea refers to the two hole cards you are dealt at the start of each hand. And yes, “Any Two Cards” can win any hand, simply because the results of the flop, turn, and the river determine the outcome of the hand.

Of the 52 cards in the deck, most players prefer to play the 20 Broadway cards, ranging from ten to ace in any form — premium cards like 10 J, QK, AK, AA. However, this article focuses on the remaining 32 cards, ranging from two through nine. Hands like the “dirty diaper” 23 unsuited, or 86 or 47 or 64. Holdings that many players, more often than not, discard.

So, the question arises, why would anyone ever choose to play those 32 lower-range cards when you can keep the best starting hands to play? And if you don’t like what you are dealt, then fold and wait for another hand.

Some say the whole idea of playing those lower cards sounds pretty stupid

Obviously, every poker player wants to be dealt premium holdings all the time. Unfortunately, we all know that is not gonna happen, and what’s more, sometimes, those premium hands, like aces and kings, will get beaten by none other than “Any Two Cards.” So, the real question is when, if ever, should you play those lower 32 “Any Two Cards”? And, more specifically, which two cards? Or does it even matter?

It really should make no difference which two cards, as the flop, turn, and river are random and not influenced by your card selection. The reality is the “A2C” strategy works best when applied very judiciously in specific spots and at certain key moments in the game.

Here are some situations where you can or should play those “Any Two Cards.”

• When you’re very short-stacked and you barely have enough chips to cover the blinds and antes, so it's playing “A2C” or going bust.
• When you are in the blind and the hand is checked through, giving you a chance to get lucky with “A2C” cards.
• Blind vs Blind situation where both players will likely be holding “A2C,” so it is the betting and determination combined with the flop that dictates the outcome of the hand. Heads up play is a deeper version of the blind vs blind scenario, but with the outcome of the game on the line. You will often see raise and reraise with “A2C” in heads-up play, where it is more about playing the player than the cards. In bluffing situations: Since bluffing is based more on the number of chips you are asking your opponent to commit to, it is more about the bet than the cards. When done right, you should take down the pot, so “A2C” works fine.
• Against weaker opponents who least expect it. Most weaker players play rationally, so they won’t commit their chips without a good reason to do so.
• Late position steal — also known as the “squeeze” — works well with a big pre-flop reraise in position, after several players have called a small raise.
• When your opponent is very short on chips and you are the only one left to call them down, then “A2C” will work.

When “A2C” is overused, the best remedy is to tighten up and trap the abuser with reraises. Of course, there are times when the “A2C” idea doesn’t work or shouldn’t even be tried. They include:

• Most multi-way pots

• When you’re up against a very deep stack

• Against very aggressive players

• And especially when you are out of position

When it comes down to it, given that poker is a game of limited information, more often than not, you are playing against opponents holding “Any Two Cards.”

It is often said: “It’s not what you are holding — it’s what you are representing.”

Playing big-time poker mandates that you mix up your game to use every tool available, which includes playing any and all of the 52 “Any Two Cards” you are dealt on occasion. You’ll be amazed by the results.