Poker Hand Rankings
In the game of poker, understanding the hierarchy of hands is essential. Poker hands are ranked according to the probability of their occurrence, with higher-ranked hands being less likely to appear. This article details the ranking of poker hands, starting from the highest to the lowest.
Royal Flush
The Royal Flush represents the pinnacle of poker hands. It consists of the A, K, Q, J, and 10 of the same suit.
- Odds of getting a Royal Flush: 1 in 649,740
- Suited cards are crucial
- No other hand can beat it
Straight Flush
A Straight Flush is the strongest sequence after the Royal Flush. This hand features five sequential cards of the same suit.
- Examples: 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts or 8-9-10-J-Q of spades
- Odds: 1 in 72,193
- Only a Royal Flush can beat it
Four of a Kind
Four of a Kind ranks third in the hierarchy and consists of four identical cards of different suits.
- Examples: 9-9-9-9 or Q-Q-Q-Q
- Chances: 1 in 4,164
- Also called "quads"
Full House
A Full House features three cards of one rank and two cards of another. It's commonly referred to as a "boat."
- Examples: K-K-K-3-3 or 7-7-7-2-2
- Probability: 1 in 693
- The hand ranks fourth in strength
Flush
A Flush comprises any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. The hand's highest card determines its strength.
- Examples: 2-5-8-J-K of clubs or 3-6-9-Q-A of diamonds
- Odds: 1 in 508
- Ranked below Full House
Straight
A Straight contains five consecutive cards of different suits. Unlike a Straight Flush, the cards don't need to belong to the same suit.
- Examples: 4-5-6-7-8 or 10-J-Q-K-A
- Chances: 1 in 254
- The highest card determines its rank
Three of a Kind
Three of a Kind consists of three identical cards accompanied by two unrelated cards. This hand ranks below a Straight.
- Examples: 5-5-5-J-2 or 8-8-8-4-3
- Probability: 1 in 46
- Also referred to as "trips" or "set"
Two Pair
Two Pair features two different sets of pairs along with one unrelated card.
- Examples: 7-7-3-3-A or 10-10-4-4-2
- Chances: 1 in 21
- Ranks below Three of a Kind
One Pair
One Pair contains one pair of identical cards and three unrelated cards. The hand's strength is determined by the pair's rank.
- Examples: 9-9-K-5-2 or J-J-7-3-2
- Odds: 1 in 2.37
- Second lowest-ranked hand
High Card
When no other hand forms, a High Card hand is evaluated based on its highest card. This is the weakest possible hand in poker.
- Examples: A-Q-7-6-3 or K-J-9-5-2
- Occurs frequently when no stronger hands are formed
- Rely heavily on the highest card
To practice these hands and improve your skills, you can try poker online.