Mastering Poker Hand Rankings
Understanding poker hand rankings is fundamental to playing the game successfully. This comprehensive guide explains each possible hand and its relative strength.
Royal Flush
The strongest possible hand in poker, consisting of A-K-Q-J-10 all of the same suit. This is extremely rare, occurring approximately once in every 649,740 hands.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit. The highest card determines the strength of the straight flush.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank, plus one kicker. Also known as "quads."
Full House
Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. The three of a kind determines the strength.
Additional Hands
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
- Two Pair: Two different pairs
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
- High Card: Highest card when no other hand is made