Poker Hands Ranked – What Beats What?

This exhaustive list outlines all possible poker hand combinations, arranged from the strongest to the weakest. We’ll begin with the top poker hands and provide descriptions of each, detailing which hands they are capable of defeating.

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1. Royal Flush

At the pinnacle of the poker hand hierarchy is the royal flush. This unbeatable hand is a specific kind of straight flush that consists of the cards A-K-Q-J-10, all belonging to the same suit.

What does Royal Flush beat?

As the supreme poker hand, the royal flush surpasses any hand that your opponents might have.

2. Straight Flush

A straight flush consists of five sequential cards that share the same suit. For instance, if you have 9-8-7-6-5 in diamonds, that's a straight flush.

What does straight flush beat?

This hand is superior to all others, except for a straight flush that is of a higher rank.

3. Four-of-a-Kind

In poker, a four of a kind comprises four cards that are identical in value. If your five-card hand is 7-7-7-7-4, you’ve just scored ‘quads’!

What does four-of-a-kind beat?

This hand is frequently a winner, outperforming every hand except for straight and royal flush hands. If two players hold four of a kind, the one with the higher set secures the win. For example, J-J-J-J-4 will beat A-7-7-7-7.

4. Full House

A full house in poker consists of three matching cards along with a pair of another value. For example, having 10-10-10-8-8 would be referred to as 'tens full of eights.'

Does a full house beat a straight?

Indeed, a full house outperforms a straight. The only hands that can defeat a full house are four of a kind, straight flushes, or royal flushes. If two players have a full house, the highest three of a kind wins, and if they're equal, the pair will decide the winner.

5. Flush

A flush in poker is identified by having five cards from the same suit that are not in consecutive order, such as A-K-8-7-3 all in hearts.

Does a flush beat a full house?

A flush cannot beat a full house but does surpass a straight. If players have flushes, the one with the highest card in their flush wins (e.g., A-10-7-4-3 of diamonds defeats K-10-7-4-3 of diamonds).

6. Straight

With a straight, you'll possess five consecutive cards that are not all from a single suit. For example, 8-7-6-5-4 in various suits. The highest possible straight is A-K-Q-J-10.

What does straight beat?

A straight is always superior to 3 of a kind, two pairs, or a single pair, but does not win against a flush or better.

7. Three-of-a-Kind

Similar to its four-card equivalent, a 3 of a kind means having three cards of the same rank—an example being 8-8-8-5-2 in your five-card hand.

What does 3-of-a-kind beat?

Though it may not rank among the highest poker hands, a 3 of a kind can still defeat two pairs, a single pair, and high card hands.

8. Two Pair

Two pair consists of two different pairs, each of distinct rank. For instance, if you have 8-8-5-5-3, you’re holding two pairs.

What does two pair beat?

Having two pairs certainly puts you ahead of having just one pair.

9. One Pair

One pair simply involves having two cards that are of the same rank, like two kings in your hand.

What does one pair beat?

A single pair can only win against a high card or a lower pair. But with skilled bluffing, it might still secure you the pot.

10. High Card

High card represents the weakest hand possible in poker, made up of five cards that do not form any of the aforementioned hands.

What does high card beat?

If you end up with a high card, you’ll need to rely on luck that your opponents have the same. Even one pair would beat a high card. When no one has a pair, the player with the highest card takes the pot.

Summary

Poker Hand Rankings are critical for success when playing games like Five Card Stud, Omaha, and your other favorite poker variations. The most rare hands, like Royal Flushes, Straight Flushes, or Four of a Kinds, are seldom seen in play. However, sometimes a seemingly weak hand, played skillfully, can lead to winning substantial pots. Success hinges not only on the strength of your hand but also on how adeptly you can outplay your opponents! Texas Hold'em Access our poker hand rankings cheat sheet PDF for a quick reference to understand how your hand compares.

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