Understanding Poker Hand Rankings: Complete Guide

Whether you are a beginner or need a refresher, knowing poker hand rankings is fundamental to playing any variant of the game.

Royal Flush

The best possible hand: A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit. The odds of being dealt a royal flush are approximately 1 in 649,740.

Straight Flush

Five consecutive cards of the same suit. For example, 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts.

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, such as four aces. Also known as quads.

Full House

Three of a kind combined with a pair. For example, three kings and two sevens.

Flush

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. The highest card determines the winner between competing flushes.

Straight

Five consecutive cards of different suits. The ace can serve as either high or low in a straight.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank, also called trips or a set depending on how the hand is made.

Two Pair

Two different pairs in the same hand. If two players both have two pair, the highest pair wins.

One Pair

Two cards of the same rank. The most common winning hand in Texas Hold'em.

High Card

When no other hand is made, the highest card plays. Ace is the highest card. Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Check our poker room reviews and learn Texas Hold'em strategy.