Poker Hand Reference: Quick Reference Guide for Poker Hands
Cheat Sheet for Poker Hands: Rank 'Em Up!
Ready to take on the game of poker and dominating your opponents? Check out this compact guide to learn which poker hands are the absolute best, the ones you'd rather avoid, and what beats what during a poker game.
Navigate through the poker hand hierarchy for more information, including odds, on our all-inclusive poker hand rankings page.
Here's a quick rundown of the mighty poker hand rankings, from the supreme to the humble:
The Almighty Royal Flush
Example: A, K, Q, J, 10 (all hearts)
Described as an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the same suit, the royal flush reigns supreme. It doesn't matter which suit you're holding - they all lead to victory.
Straight Flush: The Second Guy in Charge
Example: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (all spades)
Five cards in sequence, all bearing the same suit, make up this powerhouse hand. The highest card in the sequence determines its rank.
Four of a Kind (Quads): Big, Bold, and Better
Example: K, K, K, K, 5
A set of four cards of the same rank is king for a day (or night, whatever the poker session may be). Rank the cards from high to low to determine the rank of your hand.
Full House: The Not So Little Guy
Example: A, A, A, K, K
Three of a kind? Check. Pair? Check. In this case, the three-of-a-kind ranks first, while the pair comes in second.
Flush: A Suite of Surprises
Example: 2, 4, 7, 9, K (all diamonds)
Five unconnected cards of the same suit, with the highest card determining the rank. Suit doesn't matter, so hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs all have their day!
Straight: Five-Card Stud
Example: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Five cards in sequence, but not all of the same suit, make up this hand. The highest card in the sequence determines the rank.
Three of a Kind: Triple Threat
Example: K, K, K, 5, 2
Three cards of the same rank, plus two other, unconnected cards. Rank the three cards of the same rank to determine the rank of your hand.
Two Pair: Double Up
Example: K, K, Q, Q, 5
Two pairs of cards of the same rank with a single unconnected card determine this hand. The higher pair ranks first, and the lower pair follows.
One Pair: Solo Act
Example: K, K, Q, 7, 2
Two cards of the same rank, along with three unconnected cards, make up this hand. The rank of the pair determines the hand's rank.
High Card: No Pair, No Problem
Example: A, Q, 7, 4, 2
In the absence of a stronger hand, the highest card left standing determines the victor. The aces count high, so any hand with an ace beats one without as the highest card. The kickers will break any ties.
Check out our nuanced poker hands page for more details, including the odds of landing each hand.
On our all-inclusive poker hand rankings page, learn how to distinguish the almighty royal flush, a straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and high card - these are the key casino-games of poker. Master these poker hands, and you can conquer any casino-and-gambling environment, dominating your opponents with your improved poker skills.
