Understanding hand rankings is poker's most fundamental skill. This complete guide ensures you always know whether your hand wins at showdown.
Royal Flush: The best possible hand—A-K-Q-J-T all of the same suit. Royal flushes are extremely rare (1 in 649,740 hands), and no hand beats them. If two players have royal flushes (impossible in standard games), the pot splits.
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 9-8-7-6-5 of hearts. The highest card determines strength—ace-high straight flush beats king-high. Odds: 1 in 72,193.
Four of a Kind (Quads): Four cards of the same rank plus any fifth card. Four aces is the best four of a kind. If two players have quads (possible with community cards), higher rank wins. Odds: 1 in 4,165.
Full House (Boat): Three cards of one rank and two of another, like K-K-K-7-7. The three-of-a-kind rank determines strength—aces full of anything beats kings full of anything. Odds: 1 in 694.
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. The highest card determines strength. If highest cards tie, compare second-highest, then third, fourth, and fifth. Ace-high flush (nut flush) beats all other flushes. Odds: 1 in 509.
Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits, such as 8-7-6-5-4. Ace can be high (A-K-Q-J-T) or low (5-4-3-2-A) but not both. Broadway (ace-high) is best; wheel (five-high) is lowest. Odds: 1 in 255.
Three of a Kind (Trips/Set): Three cards of the same rank. Higher rank wins. 'Set' refers to pocket pairs that hit trips; 'trips' refers to two on board matching one in your hand. Odds: 1 in 47.
Two Pair: Two cards of one rank, two of another, plus one unrelated card. Higher top pair wins; if tied, compare second pair, then kicker. Aces up beats any other two pair. Odds: 1 in 21.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank plus three unrelated cards. Higher pair wins. If pairs tie, compare kickers from highest to lowest. Aces are best; deuces are worst. Odds: 1 in 2.4.
High Card: No pair, straight, or flush—five unrelated cards. Highest card wins. If highest cards tie, compare second-highest, continuing until a winner emerges. Odds: Slightly better than 1 in 2.
Tiebreakers: When identical hand types tie, compare from highest rank downward. Kickers (unrelated cards) break ties when main hand components match.
Suit Rankings: In standard poker, suits have no value—a spade flush and a heart flush tie. Some home games rank suits, but this isn't standard.
Community Card Considerations: With community cards (Hold'em, Omaha), multiple players can make strong hands. Board texture significantly affects relative hand strength.
Omaha Rules: Remember Omaha requires exactly two hole cards and three board cards. Having four spades in hand doesn't make a flush if only one spade appears on board.
Practice Exercise: Deal yourself five cards and identify your hand. Repeat until hand rankings become instantaneous. This fundamental skill must be automatic.
Why Rankings Matter: Knowing hand rankings prevents costly mistakes. Folding winners or paying off losers both cost money. Instant recognition is essential.
Relative Strength: Absolute hand strength matters less than relative strength. Top pair dominates weak players but loses value against tight ranges. Context determines value.
Responsible Gaming: Understanding hand rankings is your first step in poker education. Continue learning strategy, bankroll management, and responsible gaming practices before playing for significant money.