Poker is a fascinating game with rules that vary slightly but share common hand rankings that determine the winner. Understanding these rankings is crucial for anyone looking to excel in poker, whether playing casually or in competitive settings.
High Card
The most basic poker hand is the high card. Players who can't combine their cards into any other hand must rely on their highest card.
- Ace is the highest value card
- If a tie occurs, the next highest card breaks the tie
Example: Ace of Spades beats King of Hearts.
Pair
A pair consists of two cards of the same rank, plus three unrelated cards.
- Pairs range from two twos to two aces
- Higher pairs beat lower pairs
Example: Pair of Queens beats Pair of Jacks.
Two Pair
Two pairs involve two sets of pairs and one unrelated card.
- Highest pair in hand dictates the overall ranking
- If a tie, second pair determines the winner
Example: Pair of Kings and Pair of Tens beats Pair of Queens and Pair of Jacks.
Three of a Kind
This hand features three cards of the same rank plus two unrelated cards.
- Also known as trips or a set
- Higher-ranking sets beat lower-ranking sets
Example: Three Aces beat three Kings.
Straight
Five consecutive cards but of different suits compose a straight.
- The Ace card can be high (above King) or low (below two)
- Highest value card in the sequence determines the straight's rank
Example: 10-Jack-Queen-King-Ace beats 9-10-Jack-Queen-King.
Flush
A flush contains five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence.
- Flush with highest card wins over lower flush
- No ranking hierarchy among the suits
Example: Ace-high flush (Ace-King-Queen-Jack-8) beats King-high flush (King-Queen-Jack-9-7).
Full House
A full house comprises a three-of-a-kind and a pair.
- Trips determine the rank of the full house
- Pairs serve as tie-breakers among similar trip holds
Example: Three Kings and two Tens beat three Queens and two Jacks.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank plus one unrelated card form four of a kind.
- Also known as quads
- Higher quads beat lower quads
Example: Four Aces beat four Kings.
Straight Flush
A straight flush consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Combines the elements of a straight and a flush
- Highest possible straight flush is the Royal Flush
Example: 10-Jack-Queen-King-Ace of the same suit beats any lower straight flush.
Royal Flush
The most prestigious and rare hand in poker is the royal flush.
- Consists of Ace-King-Queen-Jack-10 of the same suit
- Unbeatable hand, highest possible ranking
Example: Ace-King-Queen-Jack-10 in Spades beats no other possible combinations.
Understanding these hands and their rankings is essential for anyone interested in online poker. Mastery of this fundamental knowledge can elevate one's game and improve strategy significantly.