Anna Kournikova

In poker, "Anna Kournikova" is a slang term used for the starting hand of Ace and King (AK) in Texas Hold'em. The nickname comes from the initials of the famous tennis player, Anna Kournikova.

What Does "Anna Kournikova" Mean in Poker?

In the context of poker, specifically Texas Hold'em, "Anna Kournikova" refers to the starting hand of Ace and King (A-K). The hand gets its nickname from the famous tennis player Anna Kournikova, as the initials A-K match hers.

The term is often used humorously, as it's said that the hand, like the tennis player, "looks better than it plays," suggesting that while it's a strong starting hand, it doesn't always win. The Anna Kournikova hand is still considered one of the premium hands in poker, but it is far less strong than AA or KK.

Example of "Anna Kournikova"

For instance, a player might be dealt an "Anna Kournikova" hand and decide to raise pre-flop.

In another scenario, a player might be dealt "Anna Kournikova" and decide to fold if there's a lot of action before them, indicating that other players might have stronger hands.

• "I was dealt Anna Kournikova in the cutoff position and decided to raise."
• "He got Anna Kournikova on the button and called the small blind's raise."
• "She folded her Anna Kournikova hand after the player before her went all-in."