Official Poker Hand Rankings
Know your poker rankings
A poker hand consists of five cards. Poker hands fall into one of several categories, such as flush, straight, or two pair. The player with the highest-ranked poker hand is the winner, so it is crucial to understand the correct poker hand rankings.
In a nutshell, a hand consists of five cards. Poker hands fall into one of several categories, such as flush, straight, or two pair. The player with the highest-ranked hand is the winner.
Royal flush
A royal flush is an ace high straight flush. For example, A-K-Q-J-10 all of diamonds.
Straight flush
A straight flush is a five-card straight, all in the same suit. For example, 7-6-5-4-3 all of clubs.
Four of a kind
Four of a kind, or quads, are four cards of equal value. For example, four jacks.
Full house
A full house contains a set (3) of cards of one value and a pair of another value. For example, Q-Q-Q-2-2.
Flush
A flush is any 5 cards, all of the same suit. For example, K-Q-9-6-3 all of diamonds.
Straight
Five cards of sequential value. Every possible straight will contain either a 5 or a 10. For example, 7-6-5-4-3 with different suits.
Three of a kind
Three cards of the same value. For example, three aces.
Two pairs
This is two cards of one value and another two cards of another value. For example, two jacks and two 8s.
Pair
One pair is two cards of the same rank. For example, two queens.
High card
The hand with the highest card(s) wins. If two or more players hold the highest card, a kicker comes into play (see below).
Official poker rankings: ties and kickers
Poker is all about making the best five-card poker hand from the seven cards available (five community cards plus your own two hole cards). That means in the event of a tie with four of a kind, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, or high card, a side card, or 'kicker', comes into play to decide who wins the pot.
For example:
Player A's best five cards
Player B's best five cards
Player A wins the hand with Q kicker.
With a three of a kind, one pair or high card tie, a second, third or even fourth kicker could come into play to decide the pot. If the kickers can’t decide one overall winner, those players involved are just going to have to share the pot.
Click here to download a printable version of the poker hand rankings order. You'll need Adobe Reader to view the guide, available here.