Gapper

A starting hand with one or more ranks missing between its two cards, such as 8♠ 6♠.

Last updated October 16, 2026

What it means: A one-gapper has one rank missing between its cards, as in 86 or J9. A two-gapper has two missing, as in 85. Suited gappers share a suit; offsuit gappers do not.
How it is calculated: Each gap cuts the straights the hand can make with both cards. A connector such as 87 has four, a one-gapper three and a two-gapper two, so gappers rank below connectors and are folded more often from early seats.
Worked example: 8♠ 6♠ makes a straight with 4 5 7, 5 7 9 or 7 9 T on the board: 3 ways. 8♠ 7♠ has 4 ways, so the connector makes a straight more often.
Why it matters: Suited gappers fill out the bottom of many opening and defending ranges. Knowing why they rank below connectors explains where the charts cut them off.