The Foundation of Every Poker Game
Before you can bluff, calculate pot odds, or think about position, you need to know one thing: which hand wins. Hand rankings are the bedrock of poker. Memorise them, and you will never need to second-guess yourself at a critical moment.
This guide covers standard hand rankings used in Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and most popular poker variants. Hands are listed from highest (best) to lowest (worst).
The 10 Poker Hand Rankings
1. Royal Flush
The unbeatable hand. A-K-Q-J-10 all of the same suit. Example: A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠. This hand cannot be beaten — only tied if the board makes it for everyone.
2. Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit. Example: 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 10♥ J♥. If two players hold a straight flush, the one with the highest top card wins.
3. Four of a Kind (Quads)
Four cards of the same rank. Example: Q♣ Q♦ Q♥ Q♠ + any card. When two players have quads (rare but possible on a paired board), the higher rank wins.
4. Full House
Three of a kind combined with a pair. Example: K♣ K♦ K♥ 6♠ 6♦. The three-of-a-kind part determines the winner — K-K-K-6-6 beats J-J-J-A-A.
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. Example: A♦ J♦ 8♦ 5♦ 2♦. The highest card in the flush wins. If equal, compare the second card, and so on.
6. Straight
Five consecutive cards of mixed suits. Example: 5♣ 6♦ 7♥ 8♠ 9♦. Ace can act as high (A-K-Q-J-10) or low (A-2-3-4-5, called a "wheel").
7. Three of a Kind (Trips or a Set)
Three cards of the same rank. Example: J♣ J♦ J♠ 7♥ 3♦. Higher rank wins. Note: "trips" means two are on the board; a "set" means you hold a pocket pair that matched the board.
8. Two Pair
Two different pairs. Example: A♣ A♦ 9♥ 9♠ K♦. The highest pair wins first; if equal, the second pair; if still equal, the kicker (fifth card).
9. One Pair
Two cards of the same rank. Example: 10♠ 10♥ A♦ 7♣ 3♠. Higher pair wins; if tied, kickers decide.
10. High Card
No combination at all. The hand is judged by its highest card. Example: A♠ J♦ 9♣ 5♥ 2♦ is "Ace high." If both players have the same high card, compare the next card down.
Quick Reference Table
| Rank | Hand Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A K Q J 10 (suited) |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 5 6 7 8 9 (suited) |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | 9 9 9 9 K |
| 4 | Full House | Q Q Q 4 4 |
| 5 | Flush | A 9 7 4 2 (suited) |
| 6 | Straight | 4 5 6 7 8 (mixed) |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | 6 6 6 K 3 |
| 8 | Two Pair | J J 5 5 A |
| 9 | One Pair | A A 8 6 2 |
| 10 | High Card | A K 9 5 2 (no match) |
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Thinking flushes beat full houses — they do not. Full house always wins.
- Forgetting kickers — two players can have the same pair, but the side cards often decide the winner.
- Missing the best five cards — in Hold'em you use any five of the seven available cards (2 hole + 5 board). You do not have to use both hole cards.
Practice Makes Perfect
The fastest way to cement hand rankings is to play low-stakes or free-play games and actively check your hand against the board after each deal. Within a few sessions, recognising hand strength becomes second nature — and then the real strategic learning can begin.