Poker hand ranking
Learn how to play poker
Hand Ranking
The following is a list and description of every possible
five-card poker hand. Understanding these ranks of hands is essential for any new poker player. The hands are listed in order from weakest to strongest, and this quick guide should provide a solid start for learning how to gauge the strength of your hand.
High Card
A hand that contains no pair (or anything better) and whose value is therefore simply determined by its highest card. In this example, our highest card is a king, so our hand is referred to as “King high”
Pair
A hand composed of two cards of the same rank. In this example, we hold a pair of Fives.
Two Pair
A hand composed of two pairs.
In this example, we hold a pair of Sevens and a pair of Fives.
Three of a Kind
A hand composed of three cards of the same rank. In this example, we hold three Queens.
Straight
A hand composed of five cards of consecutive ranks. In this example, we hold a Ten-high Straight.
Flush
A hand composed of five cards of the same suit. In this example, we hold a Queen-high Flush.
Full House
A hand composed of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank (so Three of a Kind plus One Pair). In this example, our Full House is formed by three Queens and a pair of Sevens, referred to as “Queens full of Sevens”.
Four of a Kind
A hand composed of four cards of the same rank. In this example, we hold four Kings.
Straight Flush
A hand composed of five consecutive cards of the same suit. In this example, we hold a 7-high Straight Flush.
Royal Flush
A Royal Flush is an Ace-high Straight Flush.