What is Playability in Poker?

Playability is a starting hand’s potential to be played across all streets.

For example, a hand like 8♥ 7♥ isn’t a strong starting hand but has good playability, as many cards can hit the board that improve this hand’s potential for winning. Conversely, hands like A♣ 7♦ do not have great playability, as only an ace really improves this hand, and even then it could be dominated.