Discover the Ultimate Guide of What Beats What in Poker

Are you a beginner looking to try your luck at poker? Are you struggling to memorize which cards rank higher than others? Worry not, as we’ve got you covered. Understanding the card rankings in poker is crucial to winning at the game. With so many variations of the game, knowing what beats what can be a daunting task.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete guide to the rankings of poker hands. We’ll cover the hierarchy of each hand from the lowest to the highest rankings and offer insights into common poker strategies to help you achieve the upper hand.

Whether you’re playing Texas hold’em, Omaha, or seven-card stud, these rankings apply across the board. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about what beats what in poker.

The Basics of Poker Hands

Poker is a game of cards, where each player aims to have the best combination of cards in order to win the pot. To start, all players are dealt two cards – known as hole cards – face down. Then, five community cards are dealt face up on the table, and players can use these cards to build their best hand.

There are ten different poker hands that players can make, ranging from a High Card – the lowest hand – to a Royal Flush – the highest hand. The hands are ranked in the following order:

  • Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit
  • Straight Flush: Any five cards of the same suit in sequence
  • Four of a Kind: Any four cards of the same rank
  • Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank
  • Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence
  • Straight: Any five cards in sequence, but not of the same suit
  • Three of a Kind: Any three cards of the same rank
  • Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank
  • Pair: Any two cards of the same rank
  • High Card: The highest card in your hand when no other combination is possible

It's important to remember that if two or more players have the same hand ranking, the tie is broken by the highest-ranking card in the hand. For example, if two players have a pair of Aces, the player with the highest kicker – the next highest card – wins the hand LeoVegas.

Now that you know the basics of poker hands, it's time to start practicing your skills and learning more about the game! Good luck!

High Card vs. One Pair

High card and one pair are two of the weakest hands in poker. High card is when you have no pairs or combinations, and your highest card determines the strength of your hand. One pair is when you have two cards of the same rank, and the other three cards can be of any rank.

If two players have the same high card, the ranking of the second-highest card determines the winner. If all five cards have the same rank, it is a tie, and the pot is split between the players. In the case of one pair, the player with the highest pair wins. If both players have the same pair, the winner is determined by the highest non-paired cards, also known as kickers.

High card hands are often used as a last resort when players have no better hand. One pair hands have slightly more value, but they can still be beaten by stronger hands such as two pairs, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush.

Knowing the hierarchy of poker hands and the strength of each hand is essential for beginners to play successfully. It is essential to be strategic and understand the odds of each hand and the possible combinations that can beat your hand.

Two Pair vs. Three of a Kind

Understanding the Hand Ranks

In poker, understanding the different hand ranks is crucial. Two of the most commonly confused hands are two pairs and three of a kind. Two pairs consist of two cards of the same rank, paired with two other cards of the same rank that are different from the first pair. Three of a kind, on the other hand, is a hand that contains three cards of the same rank.

Comparing Two Pair and Three of a Kind

When comparing two pairs with three of a kind, the hand with three of a kind is always stronger. This is because three of a kind has a higher ranking in the hand hierarchy than two pairs. For example, if both players have two pairs, one with a pair of 8s and a pair of Queens, and the other with a pair of 9s and a pair of Tens, the player with the pair of 9s and Tens would win.

Knowing When to Fold

It is important to know when to fold a hand when playing poker. If you have two pairs and your opponent has three of a kind, it is highly advised to fold and cut your losses. Trying to bluff your way out of this situation is not recommended, as the odds of coming out on top are low.

In conclusion, when it comes to two pairs versus three of a kind, three of a kind is the stronger hand. Knowing the different hand ranks is crucial in poker, and understanding when to fold your hand can save you from losing a lot of money.

Straight vs. Flush: Understanding the Difference

Straight

A Straight in poker is a combination of five cards in a sequence, regardless of their suit. For example, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 all in different suits would create a straight.

A Straight is ranked based on the highest card in the sequence. This means that a Straight built of 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 will beat a Straight of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

It is important to note that an Ace can be used to complete a Straight either as the highest or lowest card in the combination.

Flush

A Flush in poker is when you have five cards of the same suit, but not necessarily in sequence. For example, if you hold a hand of five diamond cards, you would have a Flush.

A Flush is ranked based on the highest card in the hand. This means that a Flush consisting of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 (of the same suit) would beat a Flush containing a 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5 (of the same suit).

If two Flushes are competing, the hand that has the highest-ranked card will win. If both have the same highest card, the second highest card determines the winner, and so on until a winner is determined.

Understanding the difference between a Straight and a Flush is essential for any poker player. Although both are strong hands, a Flush typically has a higher value, but this may change in different variations of the game. Keep practicing and learning, and you'll get the hang of it in no time!

Full House vs. Four of a Kind

What is a Full House?

A full house is a poker hand that consists of three cards of the same rank and two cards of another rank, also known as a “boat.” For example, if a player has three Kings and two Queens, they have a full house.

What is Four of a Kind?

Four of a kind, also known as quads, is a poker hand that consists of four cards of the same rank and one other card. For example, if a player has four Jacks and one Queen, they have four of a kind.

Which hand wins?

In a poker game, the hand with the higher rank wins. In the case of a full house vs. four of a kind, four of a kind beats a full house. Four of a kind is a much rarer hand and thus has a higher ranking.

How to remember this?

A good way to remember which hand beats the other is to think of the word “four” in four of a kind as being higher than the word “full” in full house. Thus, four of a kind trumps a full house.

Straight Flush vs. Royal Flush: What's the Difference?

Straight Flush

A straight flush is a hand that consists of five cards of the same suit in numerical order, for example, 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts. This hand beats all lower-ranking hands, including three of a kind, full house, and four of a kind.

There are 10 possible combinations of straight flushes in a standard deck of 52 cards: ace-high, king-high, queen-high, jack-high, 10-high, 9-high, 8-high, 7-high, 6-high, and 5-high. The odds of getting a straight flush in Texas Hold'em are approximately 0.03%.

Royal Flush

A royal flush is the highest-ranking hand in poker and consists of a 10, jack, queen, king, and ace all of the same suit. For example, 10-J-Q-K-A of spades. Since all the cards are of the same suit and in numerical order, a royal flush is also considered a straight flush and beats all lower-ranking hands.

A royal flush is the rarest hand in poker, with odds of getting one in Texas Hold'em being approximately 0.0002%. It's considered a once-in-a-lifetime hand and is often associated with winning big tournaments and jackpots.

Key takeaway: A royal flush is a special type of straight flush that consists of 10, jack, queen, king, and ace of the same suit. It's the rarest and most valuable hand in poker and beats all other hands.

Understanding Pot Odds

What Are Pot Odds?

Pot odds are a critical concept in poker. Simply put, pot odds refer to the ratio of the size of the pot to the bet that you must call in order to continue playing the hand. Understanding pot odds is crucial because it allows you to make informed decisions about whether to call, fold, or raise in a particular situation.

Calculating Pot Odds

To calculate pot odds, you need to know the size of the pot and the size of the bet you are facing. For example, if there is $100 in the pot and your opponent bets $10, your pot odds are 10:1. This means that you need to win the hand at least 1 in 10 times in order to break even.

Using Pot Odds in Your Decision-making

Once you have calculated the pot odds, you can use them to make decisions about whether to call, fold or raise. If your pot odds are better than your chances of winning the hand, it is generally a good idea to call the bet. If your pot odds are worse than your chances of winning the hand, it is usually best to fold. If you have good pot odds and a strong hand, you may want to raise.

Factors That Affect Pot Odds

Several factors can affect your pot odds, including the number of players in the hand, the size of the bets made by you and your opponents, and the position you are in. Generally speaking, if there are more players in the hand or if the bets are large, your pot odds will be worse. Conversely, if there are fewer players in the hand or if the bets are small, your pot odds will improve. Additionally, if you are in a later position, your pot odds may be better because you have more information about your opponents' hands.

Conclusion

Pot odds are a crucial concept in poker and mastering them is essential if you want to become a skilled player. By understanding pot odds and using them in your decision-making, you can become more strategic and make more informed decisions at the poker table. Keep in mind that pot odds are not the only factor to consider when making decisions, but they are a vital tool to have in your poker arsenal.

Bluffing Basics

Bluffing is an essential part of poker strategy, but it's not just about pretending you have a better hand than you actually do. To bluff successfully, you need to understand your opponents, the game situation, and the potential outcomes of your actions.

One of the keys to bluffing is to choose the right moment. Bluffing early in the game, when the pot is small, can be risky because your opponents may be more likely to call your bluff. But in later rounds, when the pot is bigger and your opponents have invested more money, they may be more reluctant to call, making it a better time to bluff.

Another important aspect of bluffing is reading your opponents. Try to observe their behavior and betting patterns to determine how strong their hand is. If you notice that they seem unsure of their hand, or if they are consistently betting small amounts, it may be a good opportunity to bluff.

However, it's also important to be aware of the risks of bluffing. If you bluff too often, your opponents may catch on and start calling your bluffs more frequently. This can lead to losing more money in the long run. So, it's essential to use bluffing sparingly and strategically.

In conclusion, bluffing is a vital part of poker strategy, but it's not something that should be used recklessly. With careful consideration, observation, and timing, bluffing can be an effective tool in your poker arsenal.

Knowing When to Fold: Crucial for Winning in Poker

Don't Chase Losing Hands

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make in poker is trying to salvage a losing hand instead of folding. This can lead to throwing good money after bad and ultimately losing more in the long run. If you don't have a strong hand, it's better to fold and wait for a better opportunity than to try to bluff your way through a losing hand.

Assess Your Opponent's Behavior

Another important factor in determining when to fold is monitoring the behavior of your opponents. Are they betting aggressively or playing cautiously? If they are playing aggressively, they likely have a strong hand. It might be best to fold and wait for a better opportunity. If they are playing cautiously, you might be able to bluff your way through.

Consider the Odds

Sometimes, it's simply a matter of weighing the odds. If you have an average hand and the pot is small, it might not be worth the risk to continue playing. However, if you have a strong hand and the pot is large, it might be worth the risk to continue playing and potentially win big. Knowing how to read the table and make informed decisions based on the odds will help increase your chances of success.

Don't Let Emotions Rule Your Decision

Lastly, it's important not to let your emotions cloud your judgment. If you're on a losing streak, it's easy to become frustrated and want to push for a win. However, this can lead to making impulsive and risky decisions. Stay level-headed and think objectively about each hand. Don't be afraid to fold if the odds aren't in your favor.

The Importance of Position

When playing poker, your position at the table can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Position is the term used to describe where you are sitting in relation to the dealer, and it can affect the order in which you act during each betting round.

In general, it is better to be in a later position, meaning that you act after your opponents, as this gives you more information about their hands. If you are the first to act, you have little information to go on, and you may have to take a guess at what your opponents are holding. Conversely, if you are in a later position, you have had a chance to observe your opponents’ actions and can make a more informed decision.

Being in a later position also allows you to bluff more effectively. If your opponents are unsure about their hand strength and you act last, you can make a big bet and potentially scare them into folding.

Position is especially important when playing Texas Hold’em, one of the most popular poker variants. In Texas Hold’em, the dealer button moves clockwise around the table after each hand, which means that the position of each player changes throughout the game. As such, it is important to pay attention to your position and adjust your strategy accordingly.

In conclusion, position is a critical aspect of poker strategy that should not be overlooked. Players who are able to take advantage of their position can gain an edge over their opponents and win more consistently in the long run.

Tips for Playing in Position

Understand the Importance of Position

Being in position means that you act after your opponents. This gives you an advantage as you get to see what they do before making any decisions. It's important to understand the value of this advantage and to use it to your benefit.

Pay Attention to Your Opponents

When playing in position, it's important to pay attention to your opponents' actions and to use this information to make your decisions. This means observing their bet sizes, their tendencies, and their hand range. By doing this, you can make more informed decisions and potentially outplay your opponents.

Keep Your Range Wide

When playing in position, it's important to keep your range wide. This means playing a variety of hands and not just premium hands. By doing this, you can put more pressure on your opponents and potentially win more pots.

Use Your Position to Steal Blinds and Pot

One of the advantages of playing in position is the ability to steal blinds and pots. This means raising or betting when your opponents have weak hands or have not hit the flop. By doing this, you can win pots without having to show your hand.

Know When to Fold

Playing in position does not mean that you should always play every hand. You still need to know when to fold and when to continue playing. It's important to evaluate the strength of your hand and the situation before making a decision.

Conclusion

Playing in position is a crucial aspect of poker. By understanding the importance of position, paying attention to your opponents, keeping your range wide, using your position to steal blinds and pot, and knowing when to fold, you can become a more successful poker player.

Tips for Playing Out of Position

Understand the Risk

When you are playing out of position in poker, you are at a disadvantage as you are forced to act first without knowing what the other players will do. This means that you need to take extra caution and avoid taking risks when you are unsure of the situation. Playing too aggressively when you are out of position can put you in a vulnerable position and lead to unnecessary losses.

Be Selective with Hands

When you are out of position, you should be picky with the hands you choose to play. You need to be conscious of the fact that you will be playing against opponents who have position over you. As a result, you should avoid playing weak hands that may put you in a difficult spot and instead focus on strong hands that are worth taking risks.

Don't Get Attached to Your Hand

One common mistake that players make when playing out of position is getting emotionally attached to their hand. This is especially true when they have a premium starting hand. However, a strong hand is not guaranteed to win in poker. When you are out of position, you need to be prepared to let go of a hand if the situation calls for it.

Keep Your Opponents in Mind

When playing out of position, it’s essential to keep your opponents in mind. You should pay attention to their playing style and tendencies to make more informed decisions. This will help you anticipate their moves and plan your strategies accordingly.

Stay Calm and Focused

Playing out of position can be stressful, especially if you are not used to it. However, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Avoid making erratic decisions and instead take your time to think things through. By doing so, you can make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Poker Hand Rankings Cheat Sheet

As a beginner in the world of poker, it's important to understand the hand rankings in order to make informed decisions and win games. Here is a cheat sheet of the different poker hands in ascending order of strength:

  • High Card: When you don't have any of the other ranking hands, your highest card is the determining factor. Ace is the highest followed by King, Queen, Jack, and so on.
  • Pair: Two cards of the same rank. For example, two Aces.
  • Two Pair: Two sets of pairs. For example, two Kings and two Queens.
  • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank. For example, three Jacks.
  • Straight: Five cards in numerical sequence, regardless of suit. For example, 2-3-4-5-6.
  • Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in numerical order. For example, all hearts.
  • Full House: Three of a kind and a pair. For example, three 8s and two 4s.
  • Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank. For example, four Aces.
  • Straight Flush: Five cards in numerical sequence, all in the same suit. For example, 9-10-Jack-Queen-King of spades.
  • Royal Flush: A straight flush with the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10. All in the same suit.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different poker hands, you can use this cheat sheet as a reference during your games. Keep in mind that the strength of your hand is only one factor in the game, and strategy and psychology also play a large role. So practice, learn, and have fun!

Common Poker Terms to Know

Blind

Blind refers to a forced bet made by the two players sitting directly to the left of the dealer in Texas Hold'em and Omaha games. The player to the immediate left of the dealer posts the small blind, while the player sitting two seats to the left posts the big blind.

Flop

The term flop is used to refer to the first three community cards dealt face up on the table in a game of Texas Hold'em. The flop is followed by another betting round.

River

River refers to the fifth and final community card dealt face up on the table in a game of Texas Hold'em. It is followed by the last betting round, and then the players show their cards to determine the winner.

Showdown

Showdown is the final phase of a hand of poker, where the remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner. The player with the highest hand ranking according to the rules of the game wins the pot.

Call

When a player matches the amount of the previous bet, they are said to have called. Calling is one of the basic moves in poker, along with folding and raising.

Raise

Raising is when a player increases the size of the previous bet. This is usually done to put pressure on opponents and to increase the size of the pot.

Fold

Folding is when a player decides to forfeit their hand and all the chips they have put into the pot so far. Players may fold when they believe their hand is weak, or when they want to conserve their chips for a better opportunity.

Pot

The pot refers to the amount of money or chips that players have contributed to in a given hand. The winner of the hand takes the pot.

Etiquette at the Poker Table

Respect for Other Players

When participating in a poker game, it is important to always show respect for the other players at the table. This means refraining from any rude or derogatory comments, keeping your emotions in check, and avoiding any behavior that could be considered disrespectful or disruptive.

Paying Attention to the Game

Another important aspect of poker etiquette is paying attention to the game at all times. This means keeping your focus on the cards and the other players, and avoiding any distractions that could cause you to miss a turn or misread a play. It is also important to avoid any unnecessary chatter or other disruptions that could interfere with the smooth flow of the game.

Following the Rules

In addition to showing respect for other players and paying attention to the game, it is also essential to follow the rules of the game. This means knowing the betting limits, raising requirements, and other key aspects of the game, and adhering to them at all times. It also means respecting the dealer and other officials who are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game.

Handling Disputes

Finally, it is important to know how to handle disputes that may arise during a game of poker. This means avoiding any confrontations or arguments with other players, and instead seeking the assistance of the dealer or an official to help resolve any issues that may arise. By following these basic etiquette guidelines, you can help ensure that the game of poker remains a fun, enjoyable, and respectful experience for everyone involved.

Where to Play Poker Online

Nowadays, the internet is filled with various websites and platforms where you can play poker online. It can be overwhelming to choose one, especially if you're a beginner. But before registering on any poker site, you need to consider several factors, such as the site's reputation, game selection, user experience, payment options, and bonuses.

One of the most popular places to play poker online is PokerStars. It offers a wide range of games and tournaments and is considered one of the most reliable poker sites in the industry. Another excellent choice is 888poker, which also offers great game options and a user-friendly interface.

If you're looking for a site suitable for US players, then consider Ignition Poker, as it operates legally in the country. Americas Cardroom is also an excellent option with a loyal fan base and frequent promotions.

Other notable poker sites worth checking out include BetOnline, PartyPoker, and GGPoker. Before choosing a site, it's vital to do your research and read reviews from other players to make an informed decision. Remember to play responsibly and have fun. Good luck!