How do you play ten nine suited?

Open it from anywhere and call raises in position where it can realize its drawing power. It is one of the better connectors because it makes straights from both ends, it makes flushes, and it flops a steady stream of open-enders and combo draws. Its value is in those draws and the implied odds when they hit, not in making a middling pair.

This hand opens for a raise from every position, including under the gun.

Common mistake: Playing it in small pots out of position. A connector that cannot get paid when it hits, or cannot see the hand through from out of position, is not worth much.

Quick tip: Straights from both ends plus flushes. A draw machine that wants deep stacks and position.