Understanding poker hand strength is the foundation of every successful strategy. If you don’t know which poker hand beats what, you’re basically gambling instead of playing with an edge.
This guide breaks down every poker hand ranking from the unbeatable royal flush to the weakest high card. You’ll learn exactly how hands like full house, two pair, three of a kind, and the rare straight flush stack up against each other.
By the end, you’ll know which starting hand is worth playing, when to fold, and how to make the most profitable decisions at the table. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Poker Hands in Order
Here is the official overview of poker hands ranked best to worst.
Royal Flush
The royal flush is the best possible hand. It consists of five consecutive high cards—Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace—all of the same suit. Example: A♠️K♠️Q♠️J♠️10♠️.
Straight Flush
A straight flush consists of five sequential cards of the same suit. If two players have a straight flush, the one with the highest-ranked top card wins. Example: 7♣️8♣️9♣️10♣️J♣️.
Four of a Kind
A four-of-a-kind hand contains 4 equal cards. If two players have four of a kind, the higher-ranked set wins. If both have the same, the fifth card determines the winner. Example: K♦️K♠️K♥️K♣️5♠️.
Full House
A full house is a combination of three cards of one rank and cards of another. The hand with the higher three-of-a-kind wins. If both players have the same trips, the highest pair breaks the tie. Example: Q♣️Q♦️Q♠️8♥️8♦️.
Flush
A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, regardless of sequence. If two players have a flush, the one with the highest-ranked card wins. Example: 2♠️6♠️9♠️Q♠️K♠️.
Straight
A straight consists of five consecutive cards in different suits. The straight with the highest-ranking top card wins. Example: 5♠️6♥️7♦️8♣️9♠️.
Three of a Kind
A 3 of a kind hand consists of three equal cards. If two players have the same 3 of a kind, the two remaining cards determine the winner. Example: 10♣️10♦️10♥️4♠️6♣️.
Two Pair
A two-pair hand contains two pairs of different ranks. The player with the highest-ranking pair wins. If both players have the same high pair, the second pair determines the winner. If those are also the same, the kicker decides. Example: A♠️A♦️7♠️7♦️K♣️.
One Pair
A one pair hand consists of two cards of the same rank. The other three cards break ties. The player with the highest kicker wins in case of identical pairs. Example: 8♣️8♦️Q♠️4♥️6♠️.
High Card
If no player has a ranked hand, the highest card determines the winner. If multiple players have the same high card, the next highest breaks the tie. Example: A♣️10♦️7♠️4♣️2♥️.
Terminology and Basic Concepts of Poker Hands
A hand is a combination of five cards used to determine the winner of a round. No matter which variant you play—Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Stud—the best possible five-card hand wins the pot.
Each player builds their hand using either hole cards (private cards) and community cards (shared cards) or by selecting the best five from seven available.
The strength of a hand is ranked using the poker hand ranking system, which dictates which hands outrank others.
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Best Poker Hand vs. Highest Card
Not every hand will make a strong combination, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless.
When no player holds a pair, straight, flush, or stronger combination, the best card determines the winner.
For example, if one player has K-Q-10-7-4 and another has A-J-9-6-3, the player holding the ace wins because it’s the best card on the table. This situation is called “ace-high.”
However, if both players have the same card, the second-highest (or third, fourth, and even fifth) card becomes the tiebreaker.
The Importance of Four of a Kind in Poker Strategy
Four of a kind is one of the strongest hands in poker, ranking just below a straight flush and royal flush. This occurs when a player holds 4 cards of the same rank, such as K-K-K-K-3.
This hand is extremely rare, but when you hit it, you’re almost guaranteed to win—unless an opponent has a straight flush.
If four of a kind is on the board, the highest fifth card becomes crucial in deciding the winner.
Why Online Poker is the Best Place to Learn
If you’re looking to refine your skills, online poker is a great place to practice. Playing low-stakes or free games lets you experience thousands of hands quickly, which helps you recognize patterns and improve decision-making.
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One thing to pay attention to is cards of the same suit—a key element in flushes. Many new players overlook suited hands, but knowing how to build flush draws is an important skill.
How to Know When You Have the Best Poker Hand
It’s not just about knowing the rankings—it’s about knowing when your hand is actually the strongest.
- Use Pot Odds: If you’re on a draw, compare the size of the bet to the potential winnings to decide if it’s worth calling
- Read the Board: If the community cards make great hands possible (e.g., four to a flush or a paired board suggesting a full house), reconsider your hand’s strength
- Understand Opponent Tendencies: A tight player betting big usually means they have a monster hand. A loose player could be bluffing
Knowing which hands should you play is the foundation of winning poker strategy.
Whether you’re evaluating poker starting hands or deciding on the river, understanding how hands develop over different betting rounds is essential.
As each card is revealed, the best hand is made, and recognizing these rankings will help you make smarter betting decisions.
Two Cards to Four Cards to a Powerful Hand
Poker hands evolve through multiple betting rounds. You start with 2 cards, and as the flop (three cards), turn (fourth card), and river (fifth card) are revealed, your hand can develop into a great hand.
For example, if you are dealt A♠️ K♠️:
- 1The flop comes Q♠️10♠️2♣️ – Now you have a flush draw and an inside straight draw
- 2The turn is J♠️ – You now hold an ace-high straight
- 3The river is 5♠️ – You have completed an ace-high flush, a dominant hand
Poker Hand Rankings Chart
Below is a poker hand rankings chart, listing hands from highest to lowest. Four-of-a-kind is stronger than three-of-a-kind because it is more difficult to obtain.
| Rank | Hand Name | Example |
| 1 | Royal Flush | A♠️K♠️Q♠️J♠️10♠️ |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 7♣️8♣️9♣️10♣️J♣️ |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | K♦️K♠️K♥️K♣️5♠️ |
| 4 | Full House | Q♣️Q♦️Q♠️8♥️8♦️ |
| 5 | Flush | 2♠️6♠️9♠️Q♠️K♠️ |
| 6 | Straight | 5♠️6♥️7♦️8♣️9♠️ |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | 10♣️10♦️10♥️4♠️6♣️ |
Kickers and Tie-Breakers
A fifth card is the highest unpaired card used to break ties. For example:
- Player 1: A♠️K♦️ vs. Player 2: A♠️Q♣️. If both pair their ace, the K wins
- In the World Series of Poker, the fifth card strength has decided championship titles
When two players have identical hands, the next best card matters.
Beat a Flush? Certain hands beat a flush, such as:
- A full house, which includes three matching cards plus a pair.
- Four-of-a-kind, which consists of four cards of the same rank.
- A straight flush, which is even stronger than a four-of-a-kind.
Game Variations and Their Impact
While the standard poker hands in order remain the same, some poker variants may introduce different hand rankings or rules.
In certain games, a low hand can win, and in others, specific conditions must be met to form a valid hand.
Hold’em Poker Fundamentals
Hold’em poker is the most popular format of all poker games. It originated in the early 20th century and became mainstream thanks to the World Series of Poker.
Players receive 2 cards (hole cards), and they must make the best five-card hand using a combination of their hole cards and the five community cards dealt on the table.
Cards of the Same Rank and the Next Card
Pairs, trips, and sets revolve around cards of the same rank. When two players have the same ranking hand, the next best card determines the winner.
Understanding fifth cards is essential for making better betting decisions.
Poker Strategy for Every Poker Player
A successful poker player adapts their poker strategy based on game format, table dynamics, and opponent tendencies.
Key beginner strategies include playing strong starting hands, recognizing position advantage, and adjusting bet sizing to control the pot.
Important Principles for Comparing Hands
When the High Card Wins
In poker, the final card at showdown decides the winner only if it completes a stronger combination than your opponent’s. For example:
If the river card completes your flush while your opponent holds a straight, your flush wins.
If both players have two pair, the higher fifth card (the “kicker”) breaks the tie.
Always analyze how community cards interact with your hole cards. A hand like A♠️K♠️ becomes unbeatable if the board runs out Q♠️J♠️10♠️ – completing a royal flush.
Hands You Should Play Preflop
Your preflop strategy depends on game type:
Limit Hold’em (fixed bet sizes)
- Play tight. Focus on premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK, AQ.
- Fold weak suited connectors (e.g., 7♦️6♦️) in early position.
No-Limit Hold’em (flexible betting)
- Play more aggressively with hands like JJ, TT, or suited aces (e.g., A♣️5♣️).
- Bluffing opportunities are higher here.
Quick Tip: In free poker games, experiment with marginal hands like KJo (King-Jack offsuit) to learn their value without risking cash.
Pairs & Building the Best Hand
Pairs (two cards of the same value) win often but require caution:
- Pocket pairs (e.g., 88): Fold if the flop brings overcards (like A-K-Q) unless you hit a set (three-of-a-kind).
- Board pairs (e.g., two queens on the flop): Check if your kicker beats your opponent’s.
Your hand evolves with each street:
- Preflop: You hold 9♠️9♣️.
- Flop: 9♦️5♠️2♥️– you’ve hit a set (strong hand).
- Turn/River: If the board pairs again (e.g., 5♦️), your set still beats their two pair.
- Royal Flush: The Unbeatable Hand
A royal flush (T-J-Q-K-A, all same suit) is the strongest hand in poker. It’s rare (odds: 1 in 649,740 in Texas Hold’em) but possible in both free poker apps and high-stakes games.
Why it matters:
- In crypto poker platforms, hitting a royal flush can trigger special bonuses.
- Always push for maximum value if you hold A♠️K♠️ and the board shows Q♠️J♠️10♠️.
Essentials of Preflop Play
Your two hole cards set the foundation for every hand. Prioritize premium pairs (A-A, K-K, Q-Q) and strong suited connectors (A-K suited, K-Q suited).
These dominate weaker holdings like 7-2 offsuit (the worst hand) because they statistically win more often.
For example:
- A♠️A♦️ has an 85% chance to beat K♥️J♣️ preflop.
- 7♣️2♦️ wins just 12% of the time against A♥️K♥️.
In games like Hold’em, strong starting hands often involve high pairs or suited aces. Avoid playing trash hands unless you’re bluffing or in late position with no raises.
Preflop Cheat Sheet
| Hand Type | Play in Early Position? | Play in Late Position? |
| A-A, K-K | Always raise | Raise/Jam |
| Suited A-X (X < 10) | Fold | Call/Raise |
| 7-2 offsuit | Fold | Fold (unless trolling) |
Flop to River: Evolving from 2 Card to 3 Cards
The flop reveals 3 community cards, which combine with your 2 hole cards to create potential hand synergies.
This critical juncture expands your possibilities from a mere pair to potentially stronger hands like three-of-a-kind, two pair, or even a flush draw.
When to Play the Hand
If you sense a path to a truly winning poker result, then confidently play the hand. Evaluate your hand strength, position, and opponents’ tendencies.
Consider folding weak holdings, especially from early position, but be prepared to continue with strong made hands or powerful draws.
Building the Best Five Cards
To determine your hand, select the best five cards from your hole cards and the community cards. For example, with A♥️5 and a board of A♦️7♦️4♠️10♣️2, your best hand would be A-A-10-7-5.
Refer to a poker cheat sheet for quick hand rankings and optimal play strategies.
One Pair Beats Lesser Hands
One pair beats only high-card holdings. It would lose against two pair, three-of-a-kind, and stronger hands, but beat any combination of unpaired cards.
Cards of Another Suit
When you hold cards of a different suit than the community cards, be aware of potential flush draws for your opponents.
This awareness is crucial for hand reading and determining your equity in the pot.
Common Showdown Outcomes
Straight Beats Three of a Kind
A straight, which consists of five consecutive cards of any suit, beats three of a kind.
It’s important to note that a straight flush, which is five consecutive cards of the same suit, beats a standard straight, making it an even more powerful hand.
Side Card and Pair Consists of Two Cards
A pair consists of two cards of the same rank. In situations where players have the same pair, the side card (also known as a kicker) comes into play as a tie-breaker.
For example, A♠️A♣️7♥️ beats A♦️A♥️6♠️ because the 7 kicker is higher than the 6.
Hands Are Identical?
If two final five-card holdings match exactly, then those hands are identical and the pot is split. This scenario is relatively rare but can occur, especially in community card games like Texas Hold’em.
Hand with Two Kickers
A hand with two side cards can still lose if the opponent’s kicker is higher. For instance, A♠️K♣️ on a board of A♥️Q♦️7♠️3♣️2♦️ would lose to A♦️Q♠️, as the Q kicker beats the K in this case.
When to Take the Pot
Each showdown must determine the winner: if you hold a powerful hand, you confidently take the pot.
It’s crucial to accurately assess your hand strength against potential holdings of your opponents to make informed decisions at showdown.
Unique Situations in Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em
Seven Cards to Choose From
In Hold’em poker, every player has access to seven cards—their two hole cards and the five community cards on the board.
However, only the best five cards determine a player’s final hand. This means that sometimes a player’s hole cards don’t even matter if the board itself makes the strongest possible hand.
Flush and Straight Nuances
When deciding the winning hand, it’s important to arrange your cards from highest to lowest in strength. For example:
- If a flush beats a straight, the player with the highest value card in their flush wins.
- If multiple players have a straight, the straight with the highest-ranked top card wins.
- Always remember that the board might give multiple players the same hand, leading to a potential split pot.
Cards Are Called Community and Hole
- The five face-up cards on the table are called community cards—every player can use them.
- The two private cards each player receives are called hole cards.
- The challenge is combining these cards in a way that creates the best hand possible.
Straight Flush Beats Four of a Kind
While four of a kind beats nearly every hand, a straight flush is even stronger. However, the ultimate hand in poker is the royal flush, which cannot be beaten under normal game conditions. Some poker variants with wild cards might create rare situations where a special hand could technically beat a royal flush, but this does not apply in standard Texas Hold’em poker games.
When the Player with the Highest Fifth Wins
If two or more players have the same four cards in their best five (such as a pair or trips), the next highest card—also known as the kicker—decides the winner.
Example:
- Player 1: K♠️K♦️10♠️8♣️4♠️
- Player 2: K♠️K♦️10♠️7♦️3♣️
Both players have two kings with a ten as part of their best five, but Player 1 wins because their next highest card (8♣️) is stronger than 7♦️.
Understanding these nuances will help you avoid costly mistakes when evaluating whether you have the best hand or should fold to an opponent’s stronger holding.
Splits, Ties, and Rare Events
In some cases, the final low card on the river does not affect the outcome, as players may already have the same highest card. If no kicker can break the tie, the pot is split between them.
Players Have Identical Holdings
On rare occasions, two or more players have identical five-card hands. When this happens, neither has an advantage, and the pot is split evenly among them.
These situations often arise in community card games like Texas Hold’em, where the best possible hand is shared between players.
Flopping a Straight, Full House, or Flush
The excitement of flopping a straight, flopping a full house, or flopping a flush is hard to match. However, while these are strong hands, they are not invincible.
Be cautious when playing them aggressively, as an opponent could still draw to a stronger hand on later streets.
For example:
- If you flop a straight, be wary of a possible flush draw on the board.
- If you flop a flush, consider the possibility of a higher flush appearing by the river.
- If you flop a full house, ensure that an opponent is not holding quads or an even higher full house.
