Winning Poker Hands

The combinations of cards that make up poker hands are what define poker and unite its various formats. The essence of any poker game, whether it be draw, stud or a community format, is to put together the strongest possible poker hand. With the exception of three card casino poker, poker hands are always made up of five cards.

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The following hands are ranked from strongest to weakest.

Royal Flush: 10-J-Q-K-A Suited

The royal flush, also known as the ace high straight flush, is an unbeatable poker hand. In games such as draw poker it is possible for both players to be dealt royal flushes in different suits, in which case players will split the pot.

Straight Flush: Example, 3-4-5-6-7 Clubs

The straight flush is the second most powerful poker hand. This hand comprises both five cards from one suit (a flush) and five cards ranked sequentially (a straight). If two players hold straight flushes, the straight flush finishing on the highest card wins.

Four of a Kind: Example, A-A-A-A

Four of a kind is a powerful poker hand comprising four cards of the same value. Four of a kind hands are ranked according to the value of the four cards, with four 2s ranked the lowest and four aces ranked the highest. If two players in a showdown hold four of a kind, the card rankings will determine the winner.

Full House: Example, A-A-A-K-K

A hand with a full house comprises both three of a kind and a pair. Holding a full house is often sufficient to win a hand, but it is not unusual for two players to show a full house in a Hold ‘em game. In these cases the card value of the three of a kind will decide the winner, with three 2s the lowest ranked hand and three Aces the highest. If both players hold the same value three of a kind, the value of the pair will decide the winner.

Flush: Example, 3-8-10-Q-A Suited

A flush is a hand comprising any five cards from one suit. It is not unusual for more than one player to hold a flush in a Hold ‘em or Omaha showdown. In these situations the flush hand with the highest value card wins. If two hands have the same highest value card, then the next highest value cards are compared. This process is repeated if necessary until one hand wins. Tied hands result in a split pot.

Straight: Example, 2-3-4-5-6 Unsuited

A straight is a hand comprising five cards in numerical order. In the event two players draw straight hands in a showdown, the winner is decided by determining the highest card in each player’s straight. To assist players in determining how their straight ranks, straights are described according to the highest card. The example above would therefore be described as ‘straight to 6’.

Three of a Kind: Example, K-K-K-J-7

A three of a kind is a poker hand comprising three cards of the same value as well as two unmatched cards. In showdowns a higher value three of a kind will defeat a lower ranked three of a kind. When Hold ‘em players hold a pocket (a pair) and hit a three of a kind with the community cards this is described as a set.

Two Pairs: Example, J-J-5-5-A

A poker hand with two pairs is comprised of two sets of two cards of the same value and a single unmatched card. In a showdown between two pairs the player holding the highest value single pair will win. If the players highest value pairs are tied, the player with the highest value second pair wins. If both pairs are tied the showdown is decided by which player holds the highest value 5th card or kicker.

Pair: Example, A-A-7-5-4

A player holds a pair when their hand contains two cards of equal value and three unmatched cards. Pairs are ranked according to the value of the cards in the pair, with pair of aces the highest ranked pair. If two players in a showdown hold pairs of equal value the winner is decided by the highest value card in each player’s hand.

High Card: Example, A-K-10-5-2

While players almost never play a hand based on holding a single card of high value, there are occasions when two players can reach the point of showdown without either holding a poker hand. In these situations the player holding the highest value card in their hand wins the pot. If players are tied on the highest value hand, the next highest value cards are compared successively until one hand wins.