The Ultimate Guide to Poker Hand Rankings
In the game of poker, understanding the value of your hand is the first step to mastering the game. Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Seven-Card Stud, the hand rankings remain the same. Here is a detailed breakdown, from the most powerful hand to the least.
1. Royal Flush
This is the undisputed king of poker hands and is unbeatable. A Royal Flush consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit (e.g., all hearts or all spades). It’s essentially the highest possible Straight Flush.
2. Straight Flush
Any five cards in numerical sequence and of the same suit make a Straight Flush. An example would be 8♥, 7♥, 6♥, 5♥, 4♥. If two players have a Straight Flush, the one with the highest-ranking top card wins.
3. Four of a Kind
This powerful hand contains all four cards of the same rank, such as four Kings or four 7s. The fifth card, known as the “kicker,” is irrelevant unless two players both have Four of a Kind, in which case the higher set of four wins.
4. Full House
A Full House combines “Three of a Kind” and a “Pair.” It is named by its three matching cards first, such as “Queens over Fives” (Q♠ Q♥ Q♦ 5♣ 5♠). If two players have a Full House, the hand with the higher set of three cards wins.
5. Flush
A Flush is any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence (e.g., K♣, 9♣, 7♣, 4♣, 2♣). If two players have a Flush, the hand with the highest card wins; if those are tied, the second-highest card is compared, and so on.
6. Straight
A Straight is five cards in numerical sequence, but not of the same suit (e.g., 9♥, 8♠, 7♦, 6♣, 5♥). An Ace can be used as the high card (A-K-Q-J-10) or the low card (5-4-3-2-A). The highest top card wins in a tie.
7. Three of a Kind
Also known as “Trips” or “a Set,” this hand features three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Jacks: J♠ J♥ J♦). The remaining two cards are unrelated. The highest set of three wins.
8. Two Pair
As the name suggests, this hand contains two different pairs of cards (e.g., A♠ A♦ and 8♥ 8♣). The hand is described by its highest pair, like “Aces and Eights.” If two players have Two Pair, the highest pair is compared first.
9. One Pair
A simple pair consists of two cards of the same rank (e.g., 10♠ 10♥), with the other three cards being unrelated. If players have the same pair, the winner is decided by the highest of the three remaining “kicker” cards.
10. High Card
If no player has any of the above hands, the winner is determined by whoever has the highest single card in their hand. If the highest cards are tied, the second-highest card is compared, and so on until a winner is found.
Why This Matters: Knowing these rankings by heart is essential for making strategic decisions about when to bet, call, or fold. Now that you’re familiar with the hierarchy, you’re ready to sit at the table with confidence