Understanding Poker Hand Rankings
Understanding poker hand rankings is crucial for players, forming the basis of strategy and decision-making. These rankings, universally recognized across poker variants, prioritize certain card combinations over others. High-ranking hands like pairs, three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, four of a kind, and royal flushes are rarer and more powerful, leading the hierarchy.
Applying these rankings in different game scenarios is vital. Knowing if a flush beats a straight or if a full house outranks three of a kind can be crucial in showdowns. It’s not just about memorizing rankings but also applying them effectively. Additionally, the rarity of each hand influences its position in the hierarchy, adding excitement and unpredictability.
In summary, poker hand rankings significantly impact strategies and game outcomes. A solid grasp of these rankings is essential for both beginners and experienced players.
What hand beats what in poker
Royal Flush
What does Royal Flush beat?
The Royal Flush is the highest hand in poker and beats all other hands.
What beats Royal Flush?
Nothing. The Royal Flush is the unbeatable poker hand.
Straight Flush
What does Straight Flush beat?
Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card
What beats Straight Flush?
Royal Flush
Four of a Kind (Quads)
What does Four of a Kind beat?
Straight Flush, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card
What beats Four of a Kind?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush
Full House (Boat)
What does Full House beat?
Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card
What beats Full House?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind
Flush
What does Flush beat?
Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card
What beats Flush?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House
Straight
What does Straight beat?
Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card
What beats Straight?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush
Three of a Kind (Trips or Set)
What does Three of a Kind beat?
Two Pair, One Pair, High Card
What beats Three of a Kind?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight
Two Pair
What does Two Pair beat?
One Pair, High Card
What beats Two Pair?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind
One Pair
What does One Pair beat?
High Card
What beats One Pair?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair
High Card
What does High Card beat?
None (Lowest hand, unless it’s higher than another High Card hand)
What beats High Card?
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair
Tie-breakers:
- In the event of two players having the same hand, the higher value of the same hand type wins. For instance, a Straight from 10 to 6 beats a Straight from 9 to 5.
- If both players have the same type and value of hand (e.g., both have a pair of eights), the next highest card(s) (kicker(s)) in their hand determines the winner.
- If the hands are absolutely identical in ranking, the pot is split between the two players.
Remember, in poker, the suit alone does not determine the winner; it’s the combination and rank of cards. Always keep the hand rankings in mind while playing to make the best decisions!
