What Are Pocket Nines Called in Poker?

Pocket nines are called “The Monster” in poker.

When you have a pocket pair of nines in your hand, you have a very strong hand. In fact, pocket nines are often considered the second best starting hand in poker, only behind aces.

PRO TIP:In poker, pocket nines are nicknamed “The German Virgin” as a reference to the German phrase “neun und neunzig luftballons” (99 balloons). This is because nine is the highest number that can be made with two dice and the hand looks like two balloons.

If you’re playing Texas Hold’em, and you’re dealt a pair of nines in the hole, you should be looking to raise pre-flop and build a pot. Pocket nines are also a good hand to continuation bet with on the flop.

While pocket nines are a very strong hand, they are not invincible. Aces and kings are still better hands, and if you’re up against a pocket pair of aces or kings, you should be very careful.

In general, though, pocket nines are a great hand to have, and if you’re dealt them, you should play them aggressively.