How to Understand Poker Hand Rankings

Any one who is considering playing any type of poker game should be familiar with standard poker hand rankings. It does not matter if you are going to be playing a home poker game, at a casino poker game or an online game; you must understand how the poker hands rank. Once you understand the rankings, you will be able to decide how to play your hand or if you should not play it at all. All of the games of poker use the same hand rankings.

The following steps show the standard poker hand rankings from highest to lowest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Royal flush is the highest-ranking poker hand possible. It consists of an ace-high straight flush. This includes the 10-J-Q-K-A, all in the same suit.

2. Straight flush is five sequenced cards of the same suit. It contains both a straight and a flush. Examples are 5-6-7-8-9 or 8-9-10-J-Q and so on, all in the same suit.

3. Four of a kind is four of the same ranked cards, such as 4-4-4-4 or J-J-J-J and one unmatched card.

4. Full house is a poker hand consisting of three of the same rank cards and two more identical ranking cards. Examples of this are A-A-A-8-8, 3-3-3-Q-Q, 2-2-2-K-K and so on. This hand contains both a three of a kind and a pair. If two players have a full house at the same time, the one with the higher ranked three of a kind wins.

5. Flush is a poker hand that contains five cards of the same suit. These consist of five different heart, diamond, spade or club cards. If two or more players have a flush at the same time, the player with the higher-ranking card is the winner.

6. Straight is five sequenced cards of different suits. Examples include 3-4-5-6-7, 9-10-J-Q-K and so on. If there is more than one straight, the one with the highest-ranking card wins.

7. Three of a kind is three of the same ranked cards and two unmatched cards. Examples of this are 3-3-3, A-A-A and alike. When there is more than one three of a kind, the higher-ranking card wins.

8. Two pair are two sets of the same ranking cards, but they are of different ranks and one unmatched card.. Examples are 2-2 and A-A, 3-3 and Q-Q and so on. If there are two players with two pairs, the player with the higher-ranking pair wins.

9. One pair is a poker hand that has two of the same ranked cards and three unmatched cards. Examples are J-J, 3-3, A-A and so on.

10. High card is a poker hand that does not have any of the other poker hand rankings. When two players both have no other ranked hands, the player with the higher-ranked card wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Ace is the highest-ranking card. It can also be used as the lowest card for straights (A-2-3-4-5).
• A poker hand consist of five cards only, no matter how many cards are available.
• Standard poker hand rankings do not include any jokers or wildcards.
• The four card suits are all ranked the same in poker.
• Home poker games sometimes incorporate non-standard poker hand rankings. You should ask about this before you play.
• Use a deck of cards to become familiar with the different type of poker hand rankings.
• Make sure understand poker hand rankings BEFORE you ever play poker.