Introduction
The ability to make straights, flushes, and even disguised two-pair hands gives T8s a unique edge. This guide is designed to assist you in mastering how to play Ten-Eight suited in Poker, ensuring you can make calculated decisions quickly on the game table.
What is Ten-Eight Suited?
Ten Eight suited (T8s) refers to a starting hand where both cards are of the same suit (suited) and consist of a ten and an eight (T♠️ 8♠️, T♥️ 8♥️, T♦️ 8♦️, T♣️ 8♣️).
How to Play Ten-Eight Suited in Cash Games
Here are some tips for playing T8s effectively, both preflop and post-flop:
Preflop
Early Position (EP)
- Playability: T8s are generally not strong enough to open from the early position due to their vulnerability and the likelihood of facing aggression.
- Example: If you are in the Under the Gun (UTG) position, it’s best to fold T8s.
Middle Position (MP)
- Playability: T8s can be occasionally opened or called in the middle position, particularly in loose and passive games.
- Example: If you are in MP and it folds to you, you can open with a raise of 3BB. Calling is usually better than folding if there is an early position raise, especially if you anticipate a multiway pot.
Late Position (LP)
- Playability: T8s is a solid hand for opening in the Cutoff (CO) and Button (BTN) due to the potential for strong draws and the advantage of position.
- Example: In the CO or BTN, you should raise to 2.5-3BB. You can call to see a flop if there’s a single raise from an earlier position.
Blinds
- Small Blind (SB): T8s can be played as a raise or call, depending on players' tendencies in the big blind and other opponents.
- Big Blind (BB): Defending with T8s against a single raise is often correct, especially when closing the action.
- Example: In the SB, if it is folded to you, raising it to 3-4BB is appropriate. You can call a standard raise in the BB and see a flop.
Postflop
Flopping Strong Hands
Flop Example: You have T8s in the CO and raise to 3BB. The BTN calls. The flop comes 9-7-2 rainbow. You have an open-ended straight draw.
Action: Lead out with a continuation bet (c-bet) of about 60% of the pot. If raised, call to realize your equity.
Top Pair, Medium Kicker
Flop Example: You are in the BB with T8s. The flop is T-6-3 with two suits. You have the top pair.
Action: Lead out with a bet to protect your hand from draws. If called, evaluate the turn card before proceeding with further aggression.
Medium and Weak Draws
Flop Example: You have T8s on the BTN, and the flop is J-9-3, with one suit matching your T8s. You have a gutshot straight draw.
Action: Depending on opponent tendencies, you can bet as a semi-bluff or check to see a free turn card. If the opponent bets, calling is typically better than folding.
Playing Ten-Eight Suited Against Different Betting Actions
Facing a Bet
Example: You are in the BB with T8s and face a c-bet on an 8-6-4 flop. You have a second pair.
Action: Call the bet if the sizing is reasonable, looking to evaluate further on the turn.
Facing a Raise
Example: You raise with T8s in the CO and the BB 3-bets.
Action: Fold T8s to the 3-bet as it’s not strong enough to continue.
Facing a 3-Bet
Example: You open with T8s in the CO and the BTN 3-bets.
Action: Typically, fold T8s to a 3-bet. However, if the 3-bet is small and you have deep stacks, you might call to see a flop.
Facing a 4-Bet
Example: You open with T8s in the BTN, the SB 3-bets, and your 4-bet.
Action: T8s is not strong enough to 4-bet bluff or call a 4-bet. Fold in this scenario.
Multiway Pots
Example: You are in the BTN with T8s, and three players see a flop of J-9-2. You have a gutshot draw.
Turn and River Play
Turn Example: With T8s, the turn brings another overcard like a King on a board of 9-7-2-5.
Playing Ten-Eight Suited Against Different Player Types
Against Tight-Aggressive (TAG)
Preflop
- Early Position: Fold T8s, as TAG players will likely play strong hands from early positions.
- Middle Position: Only open if you can steal the blinds or isolate weaker players.
- Late Position: Open-raise or call if facing a raise, considering position and stack sizes.
Postflop
- Example: You raise with T8s in the CO and a TAG call from the BB. The flop comes 9-7-2 rainbow.
- Action: Lead with a continuation bet (c-bet) around 60% of the pot. If the TAG raises, fold unless you have strong equity (e.g., a strong draw or made hand).
Against Loose-Aggressive (LAG)
Preflop
- Early Position: Fold T8s, as LAGs will often apply pressure.
- Middle Position: Open-raise to capitalize on LAGs’ wider ranges.
- Late Position: Open-raise or call, as LAGs may 3-bet light, giving you opportunities to exploit post-flop.
Postflop
- Example: You raise with T8s in the CO and a LAG call from the BTN. The flop comes J-9-3.
- Action: Bet as a semi-bluff if you have a draw. If called, be prepared to fire another barrel on favourable turn cards.
Against Tight-Passive
Preflop
- Early Position: Fold T8s as TP players will only continue with strong hands.
- Middle Position: Open-raise to steal blinds, as TP players are less likely to 3-bet.
- Late Position: Open-raise or call if facing a raise, expecting minimal resistance.
Postflop
- Example: You raise with T8s in the CO, and a TP calls from the BB. The flop comes T-6-3 with two suits.
- Action: Bet for value, as TP players often call with worse hands. If they raise, consider folding unless you have a very strong hand.
Against Loose-Passive (LP)
Preflop
- Early Position: Fold T8s, as LP players are less predictable.
- Middle Position: Open-raise to take advantage of LP players' tendency to call with weaker hands.
- Late Position: Open-raise or call if facing a raise, expecting LP players to call wide ranges.
Postflop
- Example: You raise with T8s in the CO and an LP calls from the BB. The flop is a 9-7-2 rainbow.
- Action: Bet for value, as LP players will call with a wide range of hands.
Against Maniac
Preflop
- Early Position: Fold T8s, as Maniacs often apply heavy pressure.
- Middle Position: Open-raise to isolate the Maniac and play in position.
- Late Position: Open-raise or call if facing a raise, aiming to exploit the Maniac's loose and aggressive play.
Postflop
- Example: You raise with T8s in the CO, and a Maniac calls from the BB. The flop comes T-6-3 with two suits.
- Action: Depending on the Maniac's tendencies, check or bet for value. Maniacs will often bet if checked, too, allowing for potential check-raises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best strategy for T8s in a multiway pot?
In multiway pots, play T8s more cautiously. Look for strong draws or made hands before committing significant chips. Bet for value if you hit top pair or better, but be ready to fold if facing multiple bets or raises, as the likelihood of someone having a stronger hand increases in multiway scenarios.
How to adjust your play with T8s against a Tight-Aggressive (TAG) player?
Against a TAG player, avoid raising or calling with T8s from early positions. In late positions, you can open-raise or call their raise if you have a position. Postflop, be cautious with continuation and value bets, as TAGs tend to have strong ranges and will apply pressure with their aggression.
Should you bluff with Ten-Eight Suited?
Bluffing with T8s can be effective in the right spots, especially with strong draws. Semi-bluff on favourable boards where you have additional equity, like an open-ended straight draw. Avoid bluffing against calling stations (loose-passive players) or when the board heavily favours your opponent’s range.
Conclusion
Playing Ten-Eight Suited in cash games requires a strategic mindset and adaptability to varying game situations. While it may not be a premium hand, the T8s holds potential for lucrative opportunities through its ability to form straights and flushes. By mastering when to fold, call, or raise with T8s, you can tilt the odds in your favour and take your game to the next level.
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