5 ways to optimize starting hands in Balatro

Starting hands in Balatro sets the stage for the entire match. Be it high-scoring combos or disruptive plays, how you use your initial cards can determine the eventual outcome. Many players overlook this key phase, leading to missed chances and poor decisions.

We have compiled a list of ways to make the most of starting hands in Balatro, giving you an early advantage and helping you stay in control throughout the game.

Note: This article is based on the writer's opinion. The entries are in no particular order.

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List of the five best ways to optimize starting hands in Balatro

Tip	Key focus
Evaluate Hand	Assess hand strength for tactical needs
High-impact cards	Focus on valuable cards for flexibility
Planet Card	Planet Cards can shift the game’s momentum
Adapt strategy based on the opponent	Counter opponent's strategies to outsmart them
Manage resources for long-term	Conserve resources for higher rounds

1. Evaluate Hand

Evaluate your starting hand before the round so you can set a clear direction (Image via Playstack)

The first step is to assess your starting hand immediately. Beginners often play without thinking, only to later realize that their hands don’t work well together. Your hand shows your possible strategies. By quickly checking its strengths and weaknesses, you can decide whether to play aggressively, aim for specific combos, or be defensive.

How to do it:

• Look for pairs, consecutive cards, or synergies with Planet Cards that might lead to high-value combos.
• If your hand has no connectivity, consider playing defensively or planning for later rounds.

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2. Prioritize high-impact cards

Treat your high-impact cards as the foundation of your strategy (Image via Playstack)

Not all cards are equal when it comes to starting hands in Balatro. Learning to spot the most valuable cards in your hand is important. Focusing on these helps build momentum quickly. High-impact cards like Jokers or certain Planet Cards greatly influence your strategy, so keeping them around gives you flexibility as the round unfolds.

How to do it:

• Hold onto cards that can create high-scoring combos.
• Don’t discard Planet Cards too early; think about how you can use their abilities in your strategy.

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3. Use Planet card synergies

Planet Cards can change the game when incorporated into your starting hand strategy (Image via Playstack)

Planet Cards are the strongest cards in the game. Knowing how to use them in your starting hands in Balatro is crucial. They have abilities that can either increase your hand’s value or disrupt your opponent’s plans. Not using them early is a missed chance.

How to do it:

• Match your starting hand with your Planet Cards. If you have Jupiter, work on building pairs to maximize its effect.
• Use disruptive cards like Mars early if you think your opponent has a strong hand.

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4. Adapt your strategy

Balatro is about outsmarting your opponent (Image via Playstack)

Even with a good starting hand, you shouldn't risk ignoring your opponent's moves. Adjusting your strategy based on their early moves can help you avoid losses and create chances for counterattacks. Your starting hands in Balatro are only effective if you are flexible enough to adjust based on your opponent’s strategy.

How to do it:

• Look for aggressive moves, like collecting high-value cards, and adjust your play to counter your opponent's combos.
• Use disruptive cards like Mars or Neptune early if you sense your opponent is strong.

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5. Think long-term with resource management

Your starting hands in Balatro is just the start of the match (Image via Playstack)

Optimizing means thinking ahead. Wasting important resources early can leave you vulnerable later. Balatro is a game of endurance, as well as strategy. Saving resources like Jokers and bonus cards gives you options when the stakes are higher. Manage your resources wisely to keep your options open for the late game.

How to do it:

• Avoid using Jokers or high-value Planet Cards in low-impact rounds. Save them for moments that can maximize your score or secure wins.
• Build your strategy around what you can achieve with minimal resources in the initial rounds.

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Conclusion

Mastering your starting hands in Balatro is a skill that separates casual players from seasoned competitors. By evaluating your cards early, prioritizing high-impact moves, leveraging Planet Cards, adapting to opponents, and playing the long game, you’ll consistently gain an edge over your rivals.

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