Poker Hands Ranked – What Beats What?

This detailed compilation ranks the various poker hands from strongest to weakest. We'll start with the top poker hands , providing descriptions of each type and clarifying which hands they can defeat.

• Get the Complete Poker Hands Hierarchy

1. Royal Flush

At the peak of the poker hierarchy sits the royal flush. This unbeatable hand consists of five cards in a consecutive sequence of A-K-Q-J-10, all from the same suit.

What does Royal Flush beat?

A royal flush reigns supreme as the highest poker hand, effortlessly outperforming any other combination your opponents may have.

2. Straight Flush

A straight flush consists of five sequential cards of the same suit. An example would be a run like 9-8-7-6-5, all in diamonds.

What does straight flush beat?

This hand is superior to all other combinations, except for a stronger straight flush.

3. Four-of-a-Kind

Four of a kind, often referred to as 'quads,' consists of four cards of the same rank. For instance, if your five-card hand is 7-7-7-7-4, congratulations on hitting quads!

What does four-of-a-kind beat?

Typically, four of a kind is a winning hand, only falling short against a straight flush or royal flush. If multiple players hold four of a kind, the hand with the higher-ranked four cards wins. For example, J-J-J-J-4 will beat A-7-7-7-7.

4. Full House

A full house is a poker hand made up of three matching cards of one rank combined with a pair of another rank. An example is 10-10-10-8-8, which is referred to as 'tens full of eights.'

Does a full house beat a straight?

Indeed, a full house has an advantage over a straight. The only hands that can surpass a full house are four of a kind, a straight flush, or a royal flush. In cases where two players have a full house, the winner is determined by who has the highest three of a kind; if those are equal, the player with the highest pair takes the pot.

5. Flush

A flush includes five cards all from the same suit but not in sequential order. For example: A-K-8-7-3 in hearts.

Does a flush beat a full house?

No, a flush cannot defeat a full house, but it does have the edge over a straight. If two players have flushes, the one with the highest card in their flush will win (e.g., A-10-7-4-3 of diamonds beats K-10-7-4-3 of diamonds).

6. Straight

Holding a straight means you possess five cards in a consecutive sequence, and they don’t all share the same suit. An example would be 8-7-6-5-4 in different suits. The highest possible straight is A-K-Q-J-10.

What does straight beat?

A straight always outperforms a three of a kind, two pairs, or a single pair. However, it does not win against a flush or stronger hands.

7. Three-of-a-Kind

Similar to its four-card variation, three of a kind is comprised of three cards of the same value. For example, a hand like 8-8-8-5-2 includes three eights.

What does 3-of-a-kind beat?

Although it isn't among the top poker hands, three of a kind still defeats two pairs, a single pair, and a high card.

8. Two Pair

As described, two pair consists of two sets of pairs, each a different rank. For instance, a hand showing 8-8-5-5-3 is classified as two pairs.

What does two pair beat?

Having two pairs provides a significant advantage over just one pair, certainly putting you in a stronger position.

9. One Pair

One pair is defined as having two cards that are the same rank, such as holding two kings.

What does one pair beat?

A single pair can only win against a high card or a lower pair. However, a well-timed bluff might make it competitive enough to take the hand.

10. High Card

High card is the weakest option possible and consists of five cards that do not form any of the aforementioned hands.

What does high card beat?

If your best result is a high card, your best hope is that your opponents have the same. Otherwise, even a single pair will beat you. In a situation where no one has pairs, the player with the highest card claims the win.

Summary

Knowing the rankings of poker hands is crucial when participating in games like Five Card Stud, Omaha, and many others you enjoy. While players rarely end up with remarkable hands such as a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or Four of a Kind, which are quite uncommon in matches, a less stellar hand played skillfully can still lead to impressive winnings. Success in poker often hinges more on your ability to read and play your opponents than on the actual cards. Texas Hold'em Download our poker hand rankings cheat sheet PDF for quick access to understand how your hand measures up.

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