85s vs 72s Win Rate?

Introduction

In short-stack situations of 20 BB (big blinds), starting hand selection becomes extremely critical. 85s (suited 85) and 72s (suited 72) are both suited connectors but have clear structural differences. This article uses comparison tables and detailed analysis to reveal their preflop equity, playability, and suitable scenarios.

Comparison Table: 85s vs 72s (20 BB)

Detailed Comparison by Item

1. Preflop All-in Equity

• 85s: Facing a random hand, 85s has about 38% equity. This is due to its two-way straight potential (4-9) and flush possibility.
• 72s: Equity is about 31%, one of the worst among all hands. Even when suited, its straight potential is very poor (7-2 only makes gutshots and connects weakly with the board).

2. Flush Draw Ability

Both have flush potential, but 85s has more high cards and straight combinations; even if 72s draws to a flush, it is often dominated by higher flushes.

3. Postflop Playability Index

At 20 BB, remaining stack postflop is about 15-18 BB, requiring the ability to continue playing.

• 85s: Can form middle pairs, top pairs, or straight draws; has some showdown value postflop.
• 72s: Relies almost entirely on the flush; if the flush misses, it becomes extremely difficult to continue.

4. Against a Tight Range (e.g., 22+, AJ+)

Facing a strong opponent range, 85s still has 33% equity, while 72s drops to 28%. This means in the same situation, 85s is more worth fighting back with.

Respective Advantages

Advantages of 85s:

1. Stronger straight potential (can make two straight hands: 4-5-6-7-8 or 6-7-8-9-10).
2. Higher card values (8 and 5); has decent equity against small pairs.
3. Can withstand small bets postflop and induce opponent folds.

Advantages of 72s:

1. Extremely hard for opponents to read (most people auto-fold it).
2. When stealing blinds preflop, if opponent fold rate is high, it can be used as a very low-frequency steal hand.
3. In very deep stacks (e.g., 200 BB), it has flush probability, but not significant at 20 BB.

Recommended Scenarios

Conclusion

At 20 BB stack depth, 85s is clearly superior to 72s. 85s has acceptable equity, straight potential, and postflop playability, making it suitable as a speculative raise or defense hand. 72s is almost only suitable in very specific situations (e.g., opponents extremely tight, already invested in big blind) for a reluctant call, but overall should be firmly folded. Remember: when short-stacked, do not be fooled by "suited"; structural connectivity is key.

What is 85s vs 72s

85s vs 72s is a common search topic in Texas Hold'em preflop / starting hands. The following is organized by preflop equity, stack depth, applicable scenarios, and FAQ, allowing direct comparison for table decisions.

Applicable Scenarios

Cash games — 85s vs 72s in deep-stack 6-max: open, 3-bet, and postflop pot control lines.
MTT — Frequency changes for open/jam with 85s vs 72s under ante and blind structure.
Bubble — ICM raises fold equity, marginal spots tighten.
Final table — Payout jumps change the marginal call/jam spots for 85s vs 72s.

Common Mistakes

Overestimating 85s's actual realization
Preflop advantage does not guarantee profit across the entire line; 85s vs 72s is often overestimated in postflop range, position, and equity realization.

Ignoring position advantage
For the same hand 85s vs 72s, the continue/bet sizing is completely different in position (IP) vs out of position (OOP); do not use the same line.

Looking only at preflop equity, ignoring SPR
Deep stacks control pot vs short-stack commit, bubble ICM; SPR and payout structure determine jam/call boundaries, not just preflop equity%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the preflop equity of 85s vs 72s?
Preflop equity changes with position, effective stack, and limp/iso lines; when comparing equity tables, be sure to specify 20 BB and whether it is a heads-up pot.

At 20 BB depth, should 85s vs 72s go all-in?
Deep stacks default not to jam all-in; only consider jamming when SPR is already very low, range is polarized, or opponent over-folds; more often use 3-bet/4-bet to build the pot.

In a tournament bubble, does the decision for 85s vs 72s differ?
Yes. ICM increases the cost of busting, raising fold equity; the same hand is often easier to fold on the bubble than in cash games; do not simply copy deep-stack cash lines.

How does board texture affect 85s vs 72s?
On dry boards, you can c-bet for value frequently; on wet boards, control the pot and beware of 72s sets/two pair; 85s top pair is not an automatic stack-off.

How do position and SPR change this matchup?
When in the BB, evaluate the open/3-bet range and OOP defense line for 85s vs 72s separately. When SPR < 4, tend to commit; when SPR > 8, focus on pot control and equity realization.

Related Reading

Related strategies:

• What is the equity of KQs vs 72s?
• What is the equity of QQ vs 72s?
• What is the equity of 85s vs 32s?
• What is the equity of 85s vs 32o?
• What is the equity of AKs vs 72s?
• What is the equity of AQs vs 72s?

Related terms:

• GTO
• Pot odds

Related hands:

• 85s
• 72s