
Poker Hand Rankings
Introduction
Poker is not just a game of chance; it’s a game of skill, psychology, and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the poker table, understanding the ranking of poker hands is crucial to your success. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of poker hand rankings, from the most potent hands to the weakest, across various types of poker games.
The Fundamentals
In a standard game of poker, a 52-card deck is used. The Ace can serve as the highest card or the lowest card, depending on the hand you’re holding. While there are numerous poker variants—ranging from Texas Hold’em and Omaha to Seven-Card Stud—the ranking of poker hands remains consistent. In online poker games, a 52-card deck is almost always used. However, a Joker may be included in Draw-style games but is generally not used in ‘flop games’ like Texas Hold’em. It’s essential to note that all poker hand rankings are determined from the best five cards available to you, and the suits are not ranked.
Hand Rankings: A Detailed Look
1. 5 of A Kind
When a joker or wildcards are in play, “Five of a Kind” becomes the ultimate hand. This hand consists of five cards of the same rank, such as five Aces (four Aces and a joker). This hand is not available in ‘flop games’ like Texas Hold’em.
2. Royal Flush
In games where the joker is not in play, the Royal Flush is the best hand. This hand consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit, starting from the Ace and going down to the Ten.
3. Straight Flush
A Straight Flush is a sequence of five consecutive cards, all of the same suit. For example, a hand consisting of the 7, 8, 9, 10, and Jack of clubs would be a Straight Flush.
4. Four of a Kind
This hand consists of four cards of the same rank, along with any fifth card. The higher the rank of the four cards, the stronger the hand.
5. Full House
A Full House comprises three cards of one rank and two cards of another. The strength of a Full House is determined first by the three of a kind and then by the pair.
6. Flush
A Flush is a hand where all five cards are of the same suit but not in sequence. The strength of a Flush is determined by the highest card in the hand.
7. Straight
A Straight consists of five consecutive cards of any suit. The Ace can be used as either the highest or lowest card.
8. Three of a kind
Three cards of the same number or face value with two additional cards. These two separate cards are called a kicker. When two players in a game both have a 3-of-A-Kind, the player with the highest card rank wins. For example, three Kings beat three Jacks. If cards are of the same rank for example both players have 3 Jacks, then the highest kicker is used to determine the winning hand, then the second kicker if necessary. A 3-of-A-Kind is also referred to as a set or trips, however, in Texas Holdem, the 3-of-A-kind is only a set only when the player has pocket pairs with the 3rd card to make up the 3-of-A-Kind on the board.
9. Two Pair
A Pair is two cards of the same number with another two cards consisting of another number, with one final card called the kicker. If two players have two pairs, the hand with the highest pair wins. Where both players have the same ranking cards for pairs, the kicker card determines the winning hand.
10. One Pair
Two cards of the same number or value. The player with the highest number valued pair wins, where two players both have a Pair. Where both players have the same ranked card as a pair, the highest kicker card (3 remaining cards of different ranks) determines the winning hand.
11. High card
If no player has any of the above hands, the hand with the highest card wins. The Ace is considered the highest card.
Conclusion
Mastering the ranking of poker hands is a foundational skill for anyone serious about the game. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for players of all levels to understand, evaluate, and strategize based on the hand they’re dealt. Whether you’re playing a casual game with friends or participating in a high-stakes tournament, knowing how to evaluate the strength of your hand is crucial. So, the next time you find yourself in a showdown, you’ll be well-equipped to understand exactly where you stand. With this knowledge in hand, you’re now ready to take on the poker world. Happy playing!
