Barbara Hutton

In poker, "Barbara Hutton" is a term used to refer to the hand of ten and five (T5). The origin of this term comes from the Woolworths heiress, Barbara Hutton, who was often referred to as the "poor little rich girl".

What Does "Barbara Hutton" Mean in Poker?

In the context of poker, specifically Texas Hold'em, "Barbara Hutton" is a nickname for the starting hand of Ten and Five (T5). Barbara Hutton was a wealthy American socialite and heiress to the Woolworth store fortune. The term "poor little rich girl" was often used to describe her due to her troubled life, and the hand T5, a relatively weak hand in poker, is humorously referred to as "Barbara Hutton" or the "poor little rich hand."

It's usually considered a weak hand and not recommended for play unless the player is in a late position or the game is short-handed. If you do play it, it's worth seriously considering folding the hand on the flop if you don't hit at the very least a pair. Playing the Barbara Hutton hand when it's suited is better than non-suited, as it adds a couple percent more equity as you're slightly more likely to make a flush.

Example of "Barbara Hutton"

For instance, a player might be dealt a "Barbara Hutton" hand and decide to fold pre-flop due to its weakness.

In another scenario, a player might be dealt "Barbara Hutton" and decide to call or raise if they're in a late position and the game is short-handed, hoping to bluff their opponents.

• "I was dealt Barbara Hutton in the early position and decided to fold."
• "He got Barbara Hutton on the button and decided to call, trying to bluff his way through."
• "She managed to win the pot with her Barbara Hutton hand by bluffing her opponents."