Tip #28 - Don't play hands just because they're suited

One of the most common mistakes in poker is overvaluing suited hands. While suited cards do have more value than their unsuited counterparts, the advantage is often smaller than players think. Many players lose money by playing weak hands simply because they share the same suit.

The math behind suited hands:

• You'll make a flush only about 6.5% of the time
• Suited cards add only about 2-3% to your overall equity
• Even when you make a flush, it might not be the best hand
• Weak suited hands often face domination problems
• Position and hand strength are more important than being suited

Common mistakes with suited hands:

• Playing any two suited cards regardless of rank
• Calling raises with weak suited hands
• Overvaluing small suited cards in multiway pots
• Playing suited hands from early position
• Continuing with weak flush draws without proper odds

When suited hands are worth playing:

• When they're also high cards (like AKs, KQs)
• When they're connected or one-gapped (like 98s, J9s)
• When you have position on your opponents
• When the implied odds are good
• When stack sizes are deep enough to justify speculative play

Remember that being suited is just one component of a hand's value. A weak hand like 7-2 is still a weak hand even when suited. Focus on playing hands that have multiple ways to win - either by making strong pairs or having good drawing potential. Don't let the allure of possible flushes lead you into playing hands that should be folded.