The Basics of Poker Hand Rankings you should know

Poker Hand Rankings

One of the first steps to learning how to play poker is understanding poker hand rankings. If you want to know which hand beats which in poker, you can refer to SuperPH’s poker hand ranking to see all poker hands ranked from best to worst!

About Poker Hand Rankings

Poker variations rely on Poker hand rankings to determine the winner. However, the requirements for hands can differ depending on the variation. Generally, all poker variations require players to aim for the strongest poker hand.

The Basics of Poker Hand Rankings

The strength of a poker hand depends on its value and rarity. Common, easily achievable hands are weaker and less likely to win. Conversely, rare, hard-to-achieve hands are stronger. Understanding the rankings and relative strength of poker hands will help you make better decisions, optimize your gameplay, and ultimately secure more wins.

The Basics of Poker Hand Rankings
The Basics of Poker Hand Rankings

To increase your chances of winning at poker, keep the following points in mind:

  1. For poker variants using community cards, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Short Deck, suits do not matter.
  2. The Ace (A) can function as either the highest or lowest card.
  3. In the case of a tie, the kicker (an unpaired side card) determines the winner.

Understanding Winning Poker Hands

When starting out with Texas Hold’em, many players struggle to identify the best possible hand. This is completely normal, especially if you’re unfamiliar with poker hand rankings.

But don’t worry! After reading the simple guide below, you’ll no longer feel confused about your hands during a game.

=> Read more: The Most Popular Poker Variants Today.

Poker Hand Rankings in Order of Strength

Below are the possible poker hands, listed from strongest to weakest:

1. Royal Flush

The strongest hand in poker, the Royal Flush consists of 5 cards in sequence—10, J, Q, K, A—all of the same suit. Achieving this hand is extremely rare, but when you have it, you’re guaranteed to win.

2. Straight Flush

This powerful hand ranks just below the Royal Flush. A Straight Flush comprises 5 consecutive cards of the same suit, but without the Ace as the highest card. If multiple players have a Straight Flush, the hand with the highest card wins.

3. Four of a Kind

Four of a Kind, or quads, consists of 4 cards of the same rank. For instance, four Aces (A-A-A-A) are the strongest, while four Twos (2-2-2-2) are the weakest. If multiple players have Four of a Kind, the hand with the higher set of four cards wins.

4. Full House

A Full House includes a Three of a Kind and a Pair. For example, J-J-7-7-7 is a Full House called “Jacks full of Sevens.” If multiple players have a Full House, the higher Three of a Kind determines the winner. If these are tied, the Pair is compared next.

5. Flush

A Flush consists of 5 cards of the same suit, regardless of rank or sequence. If multiple players have a Flush, the highest card in the Flush determines the winner. If there is still a tie, the next highest card is compared, and so on.

6. Straight

A Straight comprises 5 consecutive cards of different suits. For example, 4-5-6-7-8 forms a Straight. If multiple players have a Straight, the hand with the highest-ranking card wins.

7. Three of a Kind

Also known as a “Set” or “Trips,” this hand consists of 3 cards of the same rank. The strongest Three of a Kind is A-A-A, while the weakest is 2-2-2. If multiple players have Three of a Kind, the one with the higher trio wins.

8. Two Pairs

Two Pairs include two sets of pairs. For example, J-J and 7-7 with a kicker. If multiple players have Two Pairs, the higher pair is compared first. If they are the same, the second pair is compared. If still tied, the kicker determines the winner.

9. One Pair

One Pair consists of two cards of the same rank. The other three cards are “kickers.” If multiple players have One Pair, the higher pair wins. If the pairs are the same, the kickers are compared in descending order to break the tie.

10. High Card

When no combinations are formed, the hand is judged solely by its highest card. For example, A-K-7-5-2 is a High Card hand with Ace being the highest card. If multiple players have a High Card hand, the cards are compared in descending order until a winner is determined.

Summary of Hand Strength (Descending Order)

Royal Flush > Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Full House > Flush > Straight > Three of a Kind > Two Pairs > One Pair > High Card

Summary of Hand Strength
Summary of Hand Strength

=> Read more: Can you play Jili Rummy and win real money?

The Objective of Texas Hold’em

In Texas Hold’em, the goal is to create the strongest five-card hand at showdown. However, you can also win without reaching showdown by forcing your opponents to fold before the river round ends.

For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on situations where you’ve reached the showdown and need to determine the winning hand.

Poker Hand Rankings: What Beats What?

Like Pusoy Go, Poker isn’t just a game of chance—it’s a mind sport where strategy and knowledge lead to success. The first step to becoming a skilled poker player is understanding the rankings of poker hands.

The good news is that poker hand rankings are straightforward and consistent across most variations, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and others. These rankings were established in the 19th century when poker first emerged with its original five-card draw variant.

Why is Three of a Kind Ranked Higher Than a Straight?

Although a Straight might sound stronger than Three of a Kind, Three of a Kind is actually slightly rarer, which is why it ranks higher. This ranking system accurately reflects the frequency of each hand type in poker.

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Conclusion about the Poker Hand Rankings

This SuperPH guide lists poker hands from strongest to weakest, providing essential knowledge for anyone trying poker for the first time. Poker is a straightforward yet engaging game that appeals to both beginners and seasoned players.

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