Hands ranked from lowest to highest
Hand | Description/Example |
High Card (no pair) | No two cards have the same rank, the five cards are not in sequence, and the five cards are not all the same suit. When comparing the same types of hands, the higher-ranking card defeats the lower-ranking card. Ex. K♥ J♣ 8♣ 7♦ 3♠ (“King High”) |
One Pair | Two cards of the same rank, plus three other unmatched cards. When comparing the same types of hands, the higher-ranking pairs defeat the lower-ranking pairs. Ex. 4♥ 4♠ K♠ 10♥ 5♠ (Pair of Fours) |
Two Pair | Two cards of the same rank, plus two cards of another rank (that match each other, but not the first pair), plus one unmatched card. When comparing same types of hands, Higher ranking pair of the two defeats lower ranking pair. Ex. J♥ J♣ 4♣ 4♠ 9♥ (“Jacks over Fours”) |
Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank, plus two unmatched cards. When comparing the same types of hands, the higher-value three of a kind defeats the lower-value three of a kind. Ex. 2♦ 2♠ 2♣ K♠ 6♥ |
Straight | Contains five cards of sequential rank but in more than one suit. Two straights are ranked by comparing the highest card of each. Two straights with the same high card are of equal value. Ex. Q♣ J♠ 10♠ 9♥ 8♥ (“Queen-High Straight”) |
Flush | Contains five cards of the same suit, not in rank or sequence. When comparing the same types of hands, the highest-ranking card wins. Ex. Q♣ 10♣ 7♣ 6♣ 4♣ (“Queen-High Flush) |
Full House | Contains three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. When comparing the same types of hands, the higher-ranking set of three wins. Ex. 3♣ 3♠ 3♦ 6♣ 6♥ (“Threes over Sixes”) |
Four of a Kind | Contains four cards of one rank and an unmatched card of another rank. When comparing the same types of hands, higher-ranking quads defeat lower-ranking ones. Ex. 4♣ 4♠ 4♦ 4♥ 6♣ |
Straight Flush | Contains five cards in sequence, all of the same suit (therefore, both a straight and a flush). Compare hands by looking at their highest card. Two identical straight flushes tie since suits have no value. Ex. Q♣ J♣ 10♣ 9♣ 8♣ |
Royal Flush | The highest poker hand, containing an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and a 10, all of the same suit. Ex. 10♥ J♥ Q♥ K♥ A♥ |
Rank Of Poker Hands
Poker Basics and Hand Rankings. For those unfamiliar with poker rules and the game of Poker, along with others who might want a refresher, this is the most basic of basic poker. The various games are based on this. Poker is a game of five card hands dealt from a 52 card deck of standard playing cards. All poker hands consist of exactly five cards.