Poker Hand Matchup Odds

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Head-to-head win percentages for the most common Texas Hold'em matchups. These figures are calculated using full card enumeration across all possible board runouts. Use them as a reference during study — or enter any hand into RiverOdds for exact real-time equity.

Premium Pair vs Premium Pair

When big pairs collide, the higher pair is typically an 80% favourite — a 4:1 edge. This is why being the player with AA in a preflop all-in is so profitable long-term.

Preflop equity (all-in before any community cards)

Hand 1Win %Hand 2Win %Note
AA82%KK18%Domination — AA is a heavy favourite in any preflop all-in
AA80%QQ20%Similar to AA vs KK; QQ has slightly better equity than KK due to blocker effects
KK80%QQ20%All dominated pair matchups are roughly 80/20
AA87%AK (s)13%AA dominates AK; AK shares an ace so it rarely makes two pair with an ace
KK70%AK (s)30%AK has live outs; any ace wins and any king makes a set

Pair vs Two Unpaired Cards

These matchups range from domination (AA vs 72o) to near coin-flips (JJ vs AK). Understanding these edges is essential for preflop decision-making and push/fold situations.

Preflop all-in equity

Hand 1Win %Hand 2Win %Note
AA88%72o (worst hand)12%AA vs the classic 'worst hand' — still an 88% favourite
QQ57%AK (o)43%Flip scenario — QQ is a slight favourite but AK has 6 live outs to an overcard
JJ55%AK (o)45%Classic coin-flip; JJ is a small favourite, AK has ace and king outs
2253%AK (o)47%Small pair vs two big cards is almost exactly 50/50
KK70%AK (s)30%KK is a strong favourite; AK's live outs are limited by the king blocker

Made Hand vs Drawing Hand (Post-Flop)

Post-flop matchups introduce draws into the equation. An overpair is typically a 65% favourite over a flush draw — but combo draws can flip the equation, especially when the draw has 12–15 outs.

Equity on the flop (two cards to come)

Hand 1Win %Hand 2Win %Note
Overpair (JJ)65%Flush draw (9♥8♥)35%Overpair vs flush draw on a two-tone board — overpair is ~2:1 favourite
Top pair (A♠K♥ on A♦7♥2♥)63%Flush draw (J♥T♥)37%Top pair top kicker vs flush draw; pair is a modest favourite
Set (88 on 8♣7♥6♥)45%Flush draw + OESD55%A combo draw (15 outs) is a slight favourite even over a set
Two pair (A♣K♦ on A♥K♥7♦)65%Flush draw (J♥T♥)35%Two pair vs flush draw is similar to overpair
Top pair (A♠K♣ on A♦9♥8♥)54%Flush draw + gutshot46%12-out combo draw nearly a coin-flip against top pair

Strong Made Hand vs Strong Made Hand

When two players both flop strong hands, equity is more skewed. A flopped set is a dominant favourite over two pair, and a made straight crushes a flush draw.

Equity on the flop

Hand 1Win %Hand 2Win %Note
Set (88)88%Two pair (AK on A8K board)12%Set is a massive favourite; only a full house can save two pair
Overpair (AA)35%Middle set (88 on 8♦9♣T♣)65%A flopped set is a big favourite even over AA
Straight (JT on 789)72%Flush draw (A♣K♣)28%Made hand is a substantial favourite over a flush draw

Definitions

Domination
When two hands share a common card, causing the dominated hand to have few outs. AA vs AK: both share an ace, so AK wins only by hitting a king or runner-runner.
Coin Flip
A matchup where both hands have approximately 50% equity. Classic example: small pocket pair (55) vs two big cards (AK) — roughly 53/47.
Combo Draw
Holding both a flush draw and a straight draw simultaneously (e.g., 9♥8♥ on T♥7♦2♥). Can have up to 15 outs — often a favourite over made hands.
Equity
Your share of the pot based on win probability. AA vs KK: AA has 82% equity, KK has 18%. Equity fluctuates as community cards are revealed.

How to Use These Numbers

Hand matchup odds are preflop or flop-level averages. They assume all remaining board cards run out — no fold equity, no future action. In practice, equity translates to profitability only when combined with pot odds and implied odds.

Preflop all-in decisions

Use these as a direct reference. If you have 80% equity preflop, you should want to get all the money in — the expected value is highly positive.

Post-flop calling decisions

Compare your equity (e.g., 35% with a flush draw) to the pot odds required to call. If pot odds are 25% and equity is 35%, calling is profitable. See the Pot Odds guide for details.

Semi-bluffing

When you have a draw (like a flush draw with 35% equity), you can profitably semi-bluff — betting or raising with both fold equity and hand equity working in your favour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the odds of AA vs KK?

Pocket Aces (AA) versus Pocket Kings (KK) preflop gives AA approximately an 82% chance of winning. KK wins roughly 18% of the time, primarily by hitting a king on the board. This is one of the most discussed matchups in poker because both hands are premium, yet the outcome is heavily skewed.

What are the odds of an overpair vs a flush draw?

An overpair (e.g., JJ on a Q♥7♥2♣ board with a flush draw in play) is approximately a 65% favourite over a flush draw. The flush draw has about 35% equity — 9 outs, each giving approximately 19.6% on the turn. This is why semi-bluffing with flush draws can be profitable: you often have significant equity even when called.

Is QQ vs AK a coin flip?

No — QQ is actually a 57% favourite over AK off-suit. It feels like a coin flip because both hands are strong, but QQ already has a pair. AK has two live overcards (6 outs to hit a pair higher than queens) but must improve to win. Suited AK (AKs) performs slightly better at about 46% due to flush equity.

What happens when two players have the same pair?

If both players hold the same pair (e.g., both have pocket nines), the outcome is determined by their kickers — the other hole card. If both have identical hands, the pot is split (a tie). The probability of a tie increases significantly in same-pair vs same-pair matchups.

Can a combo draw be a favourite over a made hand?

Yes. A combo draw — a flush draw plus an open-ended straight draw — has up to 15 outs, giving approximately 54% equity from the flop. This means a combo draw can be a slight favourite even over a strong made hand like a set or two pair. Semi-bluffing or even betting for value with a combo draw is often correct.

How are these percentages calculated?

Matchup odds are calculated using full equity simulation across all possible remaining card combinations (full enumeration or Monte Carlo simulation). The percentages represent long-run average win rates — in any individual hand, the outcome is determined by which cards fall on the board.

Related Guides

Flush Draw OddsPoker EquityPot OddsImplied OddsOuts ChartPreflop Ranges

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