Poker Hands

The ranking of poker hands is the first thing you need to learn if you want to play this casino game. Five-card combinations make up the hands, and the highest-ranking one wins the pot.

Poker hand rankings go from the simple high card to straight flush, the most difficult to get. But most winning poker hands come from pairs, three of a kind, straights, flushes, and full houses. 

That is why knowing what beats what in a poker game is crucial. If you understand rankings and odds, you will never pass an opportunity to win and make the most out of your game.

Poker Hands Rankings

Poker hands fall in 10 ranked categories. Learn them and set them to memory because they are consistent throughout poker. You are always looking for the best five-card combination, even in games where you have access to more than five cards, such as Texas Holdem.

Poker Hand Order

Below is a brief description of each hand with an example.

1

Royal Flush

A Royal Flush is an ace-high straight flush formed by a 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit. It’s the highest hand in poker, and you may go a lifetime without seeing one –except in a Bond flick.

If there are two royal flushes in the running for High hand, the ranking order from highest to lowest is Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs.

2

Straight Flush

A Straight Flush is a suited set of cards in succession, such as a 7-8-9-10-J of the same suit.

3

Four of a Kind

Four of a Kind are four cards of the same rank, like four Js. The four Aces are the best hand.

4

Full House

Full House is a three of a kind and a pair. For example, 10-10-10-9-9.

5

Flush

Flush is five cards of the same suit. The rank matters if you are up against another flush.

6

Straight

Straights are any five cards in succession. A hand of 5-6-7-8-9 makes up a straight.

7

Three of a Kind

Three of a Kind hands have three cards with the same rank. For example, 7-7-7-K-3.

8

Two Pairs

Two Pairs occur when four of the five cards pair up. A 4-4-3-3-A would be two pairs.

9

Pair

A Pair occurs when two of your cards are the same in rank. An A-A-4-7-8 is a pair in poker.

10

High Card

When you can’t match any cards, the highest-ranking single card is your High Card.

Determining Poker Winning Hands

The winning hands in poker are the ones with the highest rankings. However, when there are two equal hands, the highest cards will generally determine the winner.

If both players have a pair, the highest pair wins. The highest pair of two pairs wins, the highest three cards of a full house win, and so forth.

In cases of ties, the next highest card, or kicker, comes into play. For instance, if the top hands are both a pair of 10s, the next highest card determines the winner. Or a 10-10-9-3-5 beats a 10-10-8-6-4 because the kicker 9 beats the 8.

Which Card Suit is The Highest?

In the majority of poker games, suits carry the same weight. An ace-high flush of hearts is the same as an ace-high flush of clubs, etc. But there are instances in which the odd chips of an uneven split pot are awarded to a higher suit. In these cases, spades usually are highest and clubs lowest. It is essential to know your site’s house rules on this.

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Poker Hands Chart | Learn What Beats What in Poker

Below is a poker hands chart that displays the rank and examples of winning card combinations. Download and save this chart on your cell phone or computer to access the ranking information whenever you need it.

Download the Poker Hands Chart here.

What Are the Best Starting Hands in Poker?

When the round starts, you don’t always know what your final hand will be. So, how can you know what the best starting cards are? Below you will find a chart that can help you evaluate your poker betting strategy with your initial cards.

Poker Starting Hands Chart

The following chart shows the percentage chance of winning a hand based on your starting cards. This chart applies to hole card poker variants.

Poker Hand Odds

What are the chances that the next card in a poker deal will help your hand? Some statistics can help you determine your potential for winning in any situation. 

We’ve listed the odds that give you the probability of winning any given poker hand. You can use this information to quickly learn how to play your cards and make the most out of your gameplay.

How to Calculate ‘Outs’

Before you can begin to understand poker odds, you’ll need to learn how to calculate ‘outs’. Outs are the cards that can help you improve your hand and make it more valuable than what you believe your opponent has. For instance, if you have 6-7-8-9, you need a 5 or 10 to make a straight. There are four of each remaining, so you have eight outs.

Full List of Poker Hand Odds

Let’s take a look at the odds and probabilities of poker hands.

Use This Poker Hands Guide And Start Playing Today!

Understanding poker hand rankings and odds is essential to increase your chances of winning. This guide covers everything you need to know, but the best way to learn is to play. Why not test your learning in poker at one of the best legit online casinos?

You can play poker online for real money at one of our recommended gambling sites. Sign up and see the highest-ranking hand you can get!

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Poker Hands FAQs

Below we’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions about poker hands.