Broadway

Broadway refers to either the highest possible straight (Ace-King-Queen-Jack-Ten) or any card that's part of this straight (also known as Broadway cards). These high-ranking cards are among the most valuable in poker, often forming strong hands and premium starting combinations.

Key Points

  • Highest possible straight (A-K-Q-J-T)
  • Individual Broadway cards are A, K, Q, J, T
  • Forms many premium starting hands
  • Important for high-only poker games

Common Broadway Combinations

  • Premium:
    • AK (Big Slick) - Top drawing hand
    • AQ (Big Chick) - Strong drawing hand
    • AJ (Ajax) - Strong drawing hand
  • Strong:
    • KQ - Strong high-card hand
    • KJ - Playable drawing hand
    • QJ - Straight potential

Strategic Considerations

  • Preflop Play:
    • Usually playable from any position
    • Better when suited
    • Strong 3-betting candidates
    • Good 4-bet bluffing hands
  • Postflop Play:
    • Strong high-card value
    • Good straight potential
    • Often worth continuation betting
    • Multiple street value potential

Example Scenarios

Broadway Straight: You hold A♠K♣ on a Q♥J♦T♠ board, making the nut straight.

Broadway Draw: You hold K♠Q♠ on a J♦T♥5♣ board, with many straight possibilities.

Playing Broadway Cards

  • Position:
    • More aggressive in late position
    • More selective early position
    • Good squeeze plays in position
    • Strong 3-bet candidates IP
  • Stack Sizes:
    • Better with deep stacks
    • Can play for stacks with sets
    • Good implied odds
    • Strong all-in shoving hands

Common Mistakes

  • Overvaluing unpaired Broadway cards
  • Playing too passively with premium hands
  • Not considering reverse implied odds
  • Overplaying dominated hands (like AJ vs AK)

Broadway cards and combinations are fundamental to poker strategy, particularly in Texas Hold'em and other high-only games. While they don't guarantee winning hands, they provide strong starting potential and multiple ways to win pots through both made hands and strong draws. Understanding how to play these cards in different situations is crucial for poker success.