Let’s Talk Poker Hands Want to become a better poker player?
Understanding poker hands is key.
Once you know the rankings by heart, you’ll read the table like a pro.
Here’s a helpful guide, with hands ranked from best to worst:
| Rank | Hand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 (same suit) |
| 2 | Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards (same suit) |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank |
| 4 | Full House | Three of a kind + a pair |
| 5 | Flush | Five cards of the same suit |
| 6 | Straight | Five consecutive cards (any suits) |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| 8 | Two Pair | Two different pairs |
| 9 | One Pair | Two cards of the same rank |
| 10 | High Card | Highest card plays |
Royal Flush
Top dog. Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10, all the same suit. With this hand, get ready to collect the pot!
Straight Flush
Almost as good as a Royal Flush. Five cards in a row, same suit. Very strong.
Four of a Kind
As the name says, four of the same card. For example, four Aces. Can crush other hands.
Full House Three cards of the same rank, plus two of another rank. Makes for a “full” house.
Flush
Five cards, same suit, but not consecutive. They showed up wearing matching suits!
Straight
Five cards in a row, but different suits. Walking in a straight line while wearing different outfits.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of equal rank. Their buddies tag along for the ride.
Two Pair
Exactly what it sounds like – two pairs of equal rank.
One Pair
Two cards of equal rank, plus three random ones thrown in.
High Card No matches or sequences. Highest valued card plays.
Memorize the list, then focus on strategy – when to stay in or fold. Poker rewards skill as much as good cards. Even with a poor hand, clever play wins pots.
New players, don’t worry about learning fast.
Play some friendly games to get the hang of it.
Before long you’ll be a poker whiz!
Ready to play? Deal me in!
