What Beats What in Poker: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're new to poker, understanding the hand rankings can be a daunting task. Knowing what beats what is essential in winning at poker. In this article, we will be discussing the different poker hands and their ranks, starting from the highest to the lowest.
Royal Flush
The Royal Flush is the highest-ranking hand in poker. It consists of a Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit. It's a rare hand, so if you have it, you're almost guaranteed to win the pot.
Example: A royal flush of spades: 10♠, J♠, Q♠, K♠, A♠
Straight Flush
The Straight Flush is the second-highest hand in poker. It comprises five cards of the same suit in sequence.
Example: A straight flush of hearts: 7♥, 8♥, 9♥, 10♥, J♥
Four of a Kind
Four of a Kind is the third-highest ranking hand in poker. It comprises four cards of the same rank.
Example: Four aces: A♥, A♠, A♦, A♣
Full House
The Full House is the fourth-highest ranking hand. It contains three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Example: Three kings and two queens: K♥, K♠, K♦, Q♥, Q♠
Flush
The Flush comprises five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. It ranks fifth-highest in poker. If two players have a flush, the player with the highest card wins.
Example: A flush of diamonds: 3♦, 5♦, 8♦, J♦, K♦
Straight
The Straight is the sixth-highest ranking hand. It consists of five cards in sequence, irrespective of their suit.
Example: A straight of clubs: 7♣, 8♥, 9♦, 10♠, J♣
Three of a Kind
The Three of a Kind is the seventh-highest ranking hand. It contains three cards of the same rank LeoVegas.
Example: Three aces: A♥, A♠, A♦, 5♣, 9♠
Two Pair
The Two Pair comprises two sets of two cards of the same rank and any fifth card.
Example: Two kings, two queens, and a jack: K♥, K♠, Q♥, Q♠, J♦
Pair
The Pair is the second-lowest ranking hand in poker. It comprises two cards of the same rank and three unrelated cards.
Example: A pair of aces, a king, a queen, and a jack: A♥, A♠, K♣, Q♥, J♠
High Card
If none of the above hands is achieved, the highest card in the player's hand is considered. The player with the highest-ranking card wins.
Example: High card ace: A♥, 2♠, 5♦, 9♣, K♠
Poker Hand Rankings Table
| Hand Name | Example |
| Royal Flush | 10♠, J♠, Q♠, K♠, A♠ |
| Straight Flush | 7♥, 8♥, 9♥, 10♥, J♥ |
| Four of a Kind | A♥, A♠, A♦, A♣ |
| Full House | K♥, K♠, K♦, Q♥, Q♠ |
| Flush | 3♦, 5♦, 8♦, J♦, K♦ |
| Straight | 7♣, 8♥, 9♦, 10♠, J♣ |
| Three of a Kind | A♥, A♠, A♦, 5♣, 9♠ |
| Two Pair | K♥, K♠, Q♥, Q♠, J♦ |
| Pair | A♥, A♠, K♣, Q♥, J♠ |
| High Card | A♥, 2♠, 5♦, 9♣, K♠ |
Conclusion
Knowing the hand rankings is essential to become a successful poker player. It can be daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Always remember that poker is a game of chance, and luck plays a significant role. However, understanding the hand rankings increases your chances of winning.
In conclusion, we have covered the different poker hands and their rankings. We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful to you. Good luck at the tables!
FAQ: What Beats What in Poker
1. What is the highest-ranking hand in poker?
The Royal Flush is the highest-ranking hand in poker. It comprises a Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit.
2. What is the second-highest hand in poker?
The Straight Flush is the second-highest hand in poker. It comprises five cards of the same suit in sequence.
3. What is the third-highest ranking hand in poker?
Four of a Kind is the third-highest ranking hand in poker. It comprises four cards of the same rank.
4. What is the fourth-highest ranking hand in poker?
The Full House is the fourth-highest ranking hand in poker. It contains three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
5. What is the fifth-highest ranking hand in poker?
The Flush is the fifth-highest ranking hand in poker. It comprises five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
6. What is the sixth-highest ranking hand in poker?
The Straight is the sixth-highest ranking hand in poker. It consists of five cards in sequence, irrespective of their suit.
7. What is the seventh-highest ranking hand in poker?
The Three of a Kind is the seventh-highest ranking hand in poker. It contains three cards of the same rank.
8. What is the eighth-highest ranking hand in poker?
The Two Pair comprises two sets of two cards of the same rank and any fifth card.
9. What is the second-lowest ranking hand in poker?
The Pair is the second-lowest ranking hand in poker. It comprises two cards of the same rank and three unrelated cards.
10. What is the lowest-ranking hand in poker?
If none of the above hands is achieved, the highest card in the player's hand is considered. The player with the highest-ranking card wins.
11. What happens if two players have the same hand ranking?
If two players have the same hand ranking, the player with the highest-ranking card wins.
12. Can a straight have an Ace in the middle?
Yes, a straight can have an Ace in the middle, known as a "Broadway" straight.
13. Can a Flush have cards that are not in sequence?
Yes, a Flush can have cards that are not in sequence.
14. Can a Full House have two sets of different ranks?
Yes, a Full House can have two sets of different ranks.
15. Can a Four of a Kind have a kicker card?
Yes, a Four of a Kind can have a kicker card to break a tie between two players with the same hand.