In poker, "connector" refers to two or more consecutive cards that have the potential to form a straight. This term is often used in Texas Hold'em and Omaha, both in live and online games, and in both cash games and tournaments.

What is a Connector in Poker?

A connector in poker is a term used to describe two or more consecutive cards in a player's hand. These cards have the potential to form a straight, which makes them a valuable combination in games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha.

Connectors can be a significant part of a poker strategy as they increase the chances of forming a strong hand. They can be particularly potent in Texas Hold'em and Omaha, where the objective is to make the best five-card hand possible.

While connectors are often very good hands to have, they are not made hands like a pocket pair. You still need certain cards to come on the streets to help you make a hand. However, if and when you do make either a straight or flush from your connectors, you'll often be in a great position to earn value and win the hand.

Types of Connectors in Poker

In poker, connectors can be classified into two main types: suited connectors and unsuited connectors.

Suited connectors are two consecutive cards of the same suit, giving the player the potential to form a straight, a flush, or even a straight flush. Unsuited connectors, on the other hand, are consecutive cards of different suits. While they can still form a straight, their potential to form a flush is removed.

Understanding the difference between these two types of connectors, and knowing when and how to play them, is an important aspect of poker strategy.

Example of "Connector"

An example of a connector in poker would be holding a 5 and a 6 in your hand in a game of Texas Hold'em. These cards are consecutive, meaning they have higher potential of forming a straight if the right cards come up on the flop, turn, or river.

• "I have a connector in my hand, so I have a good chance of making a straight."
• "He played his suited connector aggressively and made a straight flush."
• "She folded her hand as she only had an unsuited connector and the flop didn't help her."

Is it always good to play connectors in poker?

While connectors can increase the chances of forming a straight, whether to play them or not depends on several factors like your position, the betting action, and the number of players in the hand.

What's the difference between a connector and a suited connector?

A connector is two or more consecutive cards of any suit, while a suited connector is two or more consecutive cards of the same suit.

Can connectors be more than two cards?

Yes, in games like Omaha, you can have connectors that are more than two cards.

Are connectors good hands in Texas Hold'em?

Connectors can be strong hands in Texas Hold'em, especially if they are suited, as they have the potential to form straights and flushes.

What's the best connector hand in poker?

The best connector hand in poker is Ace-King suited, also known as "Big Slick". It has the potential to form the highest straight or the highest flush.