These cards determine your initial strength and potential in the game. A starting hand in poker consists of the two hole cards you receive at the beginning of a Texas Hold’em round. Basics of Poker Starting Handsīefore delving into the complexities of the poker starting hands chart, let’s start with the basics. The first two cards you receive in a game of Texas Hold’em, or your “hole cards,” can greatly influence the outcome of the game. In the world of poker, the significance of starting hands cannot be overstated. The Importance of Starting Hands in Poker