Trusted by poker players since 2007
DeucesCracked
Hand Types

Broadway

Any card Ten or higher (T, J, Q, K, A). A "Broadway straight" is A-K-Q-J-10, the highest possible straight.

James Carter
James CarterVerified

iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst

What Is Broadway?

Broadway cards form the highest-ranking cards in the deck and are frequently used to describe strong starting hands or boards composed entirely of high cards, such as a 'Broadway board.' The Broadway straight, running from Ten to Ace, is the highest possible straight in standard poker and is only beaten by flushes, full houses, four of a kind, straight flushes, or the royal flush (which is itself the suited version of Broadway). Hands made up of two Broadway cards, like King-Queen or Ace-Jack, are considered strong starting hands due to their high card value and straight-making potential.

Examples

1

A board of A-K-Q-9-4 is often called a Broadway-heavy board because it's dominated by high cards.

2

A player completes the Broadway straight with a hand of J-10 on a board showing A-K-Q.

Strategy Tips

Value hands containing two Broadway cards for their strong showdown potential and straight-making possibilities, especially when suited. Be cautious on Broadway-heavy boards, since opponents' ranges are more likely to contain strong high-card hands and made straights. Remember that the Broadway straight can only be beaten by better hand categories, not a higher straight, since it's already the highest possible straight. Consider that Broadway-heavy flops favor preflop raisers, since their range is naturally weighted toward high cards.

Related Terms

Learn More