What Does Broadway Mean in Poker?
In poker, ‘Broadway’ refers to the five highest-ranking cards in the deck: 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. A ‘Broadway Straight’ specifically means a straight consisting of these cards.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Broadway
Broadway is commonly mentioned during discussions of high-value straights or when evaluating strong hand potential in both cash games and tournaments.
In-Game Example
Imagine you’re holding AK and the board runs out QJ10. You have a Broadway Straight, the highest possible straight in poker.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use Broadway hands to apply pressure in late position, especially when you can represent strong holdings post-flop.
- Common Mistake: Overvaluing Broadway draws in multi-way pots where the board texture favors opponents’ ranges.
- Pro Tips: Against aggressive players, Broadway cards can be used to trap, especially when they are drawing to lower straights or flushes.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online, players might bluff more with Broadway cards due to anonymity, whereas live play often requires stronger reads and physical tells.
Alternative Names
Sometimes referred to as “Big Slick” when specifically referring to Ace-King in a Broadway context.
FAQs
- Q: What is the significance of a Broadway hand in poker?
A: Broadway hands are high-value and often favored in both starting hand selection and post-flop play due to their strong straight potential. - Q: Can Broadway be used in lowball games?
A: No, Broadway refers to high cards, which are undesirable in lowball variants where lower cards are preferred.
