Any Two Cards in Poker | Meaning & Examples

In poker, the phrase any two cards is shorthand for the idea that any hand has a possible chance to win. Even the weakest hands can sometimes beat the strongest ones, mostly depending on the community cards and how the cards play out. This saying serves as both a reminder of poker’s unpredictability and also a psychological weapon you can use at the table.

What Does “Any Two Cards” Mean?

Any two cards means that once the flop, turn, and river are dealt, even the worst starting hands can sometimes come out on top.

• Weak hands can improve through the board.
• Strong hands can be cracked by unlikely runouts.
• Variance means every hand always has at least some equity.
   

This phrase captures the essence of poker’s combination of skill and luck. No hand is ever a guaranteed winner before the board runs out.

Why Do Players Say “Any Two Cards”?

You can use the phrase in different contexts:

• Confidence: Say it aggressively to remind others you can win with any hand.
• Table talk: It can be used as a phrase to intimidate or joke with opponents.
• Reality check: Even the best hand preflop can lose, so “any two cards” reminds you to respect the variance and unpredictability of poker.
   

Ultimately, the phrase reflects both bravado and the truth that poker is never 100% certain.

Strategy and Risks Behind “Any Two Cards”

While the phrase is true in theory, it doesn’t mean you should play recklessly because of it.

• Playing too many hands is nearly always unprofitable in the long run.
• Strong players only use the phrase “any two cards” selectively, such as in late position steals or bluff shoves.
• Overusing the concept will make you exploitable, since opponents will begin to call lighter.
   

The power of “any two cards” lies more in the mindset and psychology of you and your opponents than in any raw strategy. 

FAQs

Is “any two cards” a good poker strategy?
No. While technically being true, playing all hands based on this phrase is unprofitable in the long run. It’s more of a term about variance and unpredictability than advice.

Does “any two cards” mean poker is all luck?
No. While any hand can win in the short term, poker is a game of long-term skill, as well as an element of luck. But over thousands of hands, stronger ranges and better decisions consistently beat less skillful players who rely only on luck.

Can a hand like 7-2 really beat A-K?
Yes. 7-2 offsuit is the weakest starting hand in Hold’em, but it can still win if the board runs out favorably, for example, 7♥ 9♣ Q♦ 4♠ 3♣ would win with a pair of 7s against Ace High.