87s

Overview

87s (8-7 suited) is a suited connector in poker, meaning the two cards are consecutive in rank and share the same suit. It is a popular hand in Texas Hold'em for its potential to make both straights and flushes, offering disguised strength and implied odds.

Playing 87s

Preflop

87s is typically played as a speculative hand. In early position, it is often folded due to poor showdown value and vulnerability to being dominated. In late position (cutoff or button), it is a standard open-raise, especially in unraised pots. Against a raise, calling with 87s is common when there are multiple callers to get good pot odds, but it should be folded to a 3-bet without deep stacks. Typical play involves entering the pot cheaply and seeing a flop, as the hand relies on hitting draws.

Postflop

On the flop, 87s can flop a straight draw (8-9-10, etc.), a flush draw, two pair, trips, or a straight. The primary strength is its draw potential. With a flush draw (9 outs) or open-ended straight draw (8 outs), the hand has significant equity. However, weak pairs (top pair with a low kicker) are often outkicked or outdrawn. Aggressive play with draws (semi-bluffing) is standard, especially with backdoor draws. If the flop misses completely, the hand is usually folded to a bet.

Key Considerations

• Position: 87s plays best in late position or in multiway pots where implied odds are higher.
• Stack Depth: Deep stacks allow for profitable chasing of draws; short stacks reduce implied odds.
• Opponents: Against tight players, 87s can be used to steal blinds; against loose players, it thrives in multiway pots.
• Board Texture: Coordinated boards (e.g., 9-6-2 with two suits) are favorable; paired or connected boards that give opponents better draws are dangerous.

Strengths

• Disguised: When 87s makes a straight or flush, it is often well-hidden, allowing for value bets that get called by weaker hands.
• Multiway Potential: In multiway pots, the hand gains equity from draws, and the flush or straight can be the nuts.
• Versatility: Can be played aggressively or passively depending on the situation.

Weaknesses

• Low Pair Value: Top pair with an 8 or 7 is weak and often outkicked.
• Vulnerability to Domination: Against higher suited connectors (e.g., JTs) or bigger pairs, the hand is dominated if it only makes one pair.
• Reverse Implied Odds: When a player flops a weak pair or a draw that misses, they can lose significant chips chasing draws.

Summary

87s is a classic speculative hand in Texas Hold'em. Its value lies in its drawing capabilities and ability to make the nuts on favorable boards. Successful play requires good position, deep stacks, and careful consideration of pot odds. It should be folded in early position or against heavy aggression preflop.