Learn GTO preflop theory in MTT poker

Q of heartsT of hearts

Playable suited broadway

Queen-Ten Suited

QTs combines two connected broadway cards with a suited draw. It can open from many positions and defend at the right price, but top pair is vulnerable and a flush made with QTs is not always the nut flush.

Pocket33

How to play QTs by position and stack size

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100bb+OpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
40-100bbOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpen
27-40bbOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpen
20-26bbOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
16-19bbOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
11-15bbFoldOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenLimp
7-10bbFoldJamJamJamJamJamLimp
6bb-JamJamJamJamJamJamJam
Open when:The position's opening range reaches QTs

Its connectivity and suitedness give it more profitable opens than an isolated queen.

3bet when:The spot calls for a polarized range or the opener is wide

QTs can apply pressure, while calling is often preferable when position and price are good.

Call when:Defending in position or from the big blind at a fair price

QTs can make strong pairs, straights, and flushes, but it still needs room to realize that equity.

Jam when:A shallow-stack chart supports an open-shove or reshove

Tournament ICM can remove a shove that chip EV alone would suggest.

Fold when:A tight range applies strong 3-bet or 4-bet pressure

QTs should not continue simply because it is suited.

Strong against

Q of spades9 of spades
Q9s

Q9s shares the Queen but has the weaker kicker, making a dominated pair that can still pay QTs.

T of spades9 of spades
T9s

When the shared Ten pairs, QTs keeps the better kicker and can value-bet against T9s.

Weak against

  • A of spadesQ of hearts
    AQ

    AQ shares the Queen with the better kicker, so QTs can make a costly second-best pair.

  • K of spadesQ of hearts
    KQ

    If the shared Queen pairs, KQ keeps the kicker edge and can take several bets from QTs.

  • Q of spadesJ of hearts
    QJ

    The stronger side card in QJ makes top pair dangerous for QTs to overplay.

Flop classes

A of spadesK of heartsJ of spades
Broadway connection (e.g., A♠ K♦ J♣)

QTs has the Broadway straight. Keep QTs in a value line while checking which higher flush or full-house redraws the board can create.

K of spadesJ of hearts9 of spades
Straight connection (e.g., K♠ J♦ 9♣)

QTs already makes a king-high straight. Bet for value, but account for board changes that can reduce the number of hands able to pay.

Q of spades7 of hearts3 of hearts
Top-pair board (e.g., Q♠ 7♦ 3♥)

Top pair is ahead of missed overcards, yet AQ, KQ, sets, and some strong draws make oversized pots dangerous without a range reason.

Strategic notes

Versus 3-bets
  • Call: Against a wide 3-bet range, QTs can call when it keeps position and receives a workable price.
  • 3-bet: QTs can be a polarized 3-bet when the opener folds enough, while calling is often preferable with position and a fair price.
Versus 4-bets
  • Fold: QTs usually folds to a value-heavy 4-bet range.
  • Continue selectively: A call can appear in a late-position or blind-versus-blind tree with favorable sizing and ranges, but it is not automatic.
Post-flop playability
  • Connectivity: With QTs, AKJ makes a Broadway straight. KJ9 and J98 also make a straight, so these boards require decisions about a made straight and redraws rather than a routine one-pair line.
  • Flushes: A flush made with QTs is not necessarily the nut flush because higher suited cards can hold a better draw or made flush.
  • Top pair: A queen or ten can give top pair, but QTs remains vulnerable to stronger queens, overpairs, and improving draws.

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