A kicker can decide your win in Texas Hold’em poker. Experienced players always pay attention to the kicker card before they decide to raise or fold, while it may be hard for beginners to understand its role.
So, let’s explain this simple complex. If you’re just starting out with Texas Hold’em, read our blog carefully. Once you get the basic rules down, you’ll be able to focus on a more advanced poker strategy.
What Is a Kicker in Poker? A Simple Definition You Actually Need
A tie-breaker happens often in Texas Hold’em, especially when there are several players at the table. A kicker in poker is the side card that decides who wins when 2 or more players have the same hand.
This is the only definition of a poker kicker you need. In Texas Hold’em, only the best 5 cards matter, starting from the high card to Royal Flush, which is the top poker hand ranking. For example, 2 players may have an identical high card, in which case, the kicker card in poker is considered to determine the winner.
Why the Kicker Can Make or Break Your Hold’em Hand
You never know what your kicker card will be and whether or not it will play any role in the hand. But that’s the beauty of this card. A kicker can make or break your hand.
Having an A and a 7 is better than having an A and 6 because in case of a tie, your 7 can bring you a win.
Even though this card is important, it’s just a matter of luck whether your side card is better than the one of your opponent. Players should know their Texas Hold’em rules well and familiarise themselves with different strategies to utilise their hands the most.
How a Kicker Works: Real Hand Examples Explained
How the kicker works in poker is best shown through different examples. Let’s show you potential scenarios where a kicker may decide who wins the round. Take a look at different instances before you go and play poker online.
Example 1: High Card With Kicker
- Your hand: A, 10
- Your opponent: A, 8
- The board: J, 3, 6, Q, 5
You both have an A as a high card, but in this scenario, you’re the winner because you’re holding a 10. We’re looking at 5 best cards, which are A-Q-J-10-6 in your case, while your opponent has A-Q-J-8-6. Here, 10>8, bringing you the victory.
Example 2: Pair With Kicker
- Your hand: A, J
- Your opponent: A, K
- The board: A, 3, 6, Q, 5
With a pair in each hand, it’s a tie. But, you have A-A-Q-J-6, while your opponent holds A-A-K-Q-6. With K>J, their kicker is stronger, in which case you’re losing the round.
Example 3: Both Players Have the Same Kicker
- Your hand: A, J
- Your opponent: A, J
- The board: A, 3, 6, Q, 5
With a pair in each hand, it’s a tie. You have A-A-Q-J-6, while your opponent holds A-A-Q-J-6. The kicker in this case is the same, J, and in this case, the hand results in a split pot. This is also the case when the kicker doesn’t apply, but we’ll discuss this scenario later on.
The Most Common Kicker Myths and the Truth Behind Them
The rules surrounding the kicker are pretty straightforward. The side cards break tie hands, otherwise, the hand will result in a split pot.
The most important thing you should know is that the higher your kicker is the better. You can have multiple kickers or combine them. Some of the misconceptions around kickers mostly came from local poker games, but there isn’t anything ambiguous about kicker rules in official tournaments and online poker rooms.
Hands Where Kickers Don't Apply
There are some instances where a kicker doesn’t apply and has no role. Take a look at the example below:
- Your hand: K, 5
- Your opponent: K, 4
- The board: Q, J, 9, 8, 6
We have to look at top 5 cards here and your 5 and your opponent’s 4 don’t come into play. Therefore, this hand is a time as both players have the same hand, therefore it’s a split pot.
Also, keep in mind that kickers don’t count in a Straight, Flush, Full House, Straight and Royal Flush. And if such poker terms are confusing to you, make sure you understand the winning combinations and basic poker rules before you obsess yourself with a kicker.
Kicker Strategy Tips to Stop Losing on the River
A kicker shouldn’t be the card you rely on too much. After all, it’s there to help you win split ties, but you can’t influence too much on what your kicker is. Therefore, if you want to have success as a poker player, focus on getting the best hand possible. If you have a pair, re-evaluate your position and check what your kicker is before you decide to call or raise.
Playing with a weak or medium kicker can cost you on the river. So, if you’re not sure, sometimes it’s better to fold earlier than have your fate decided on the river. If you have a pair and a strong kicker, it might pay off to bet, but if someone raises you, consider folding.
