If you are new to the game of poker and want to learn how to play, one of the first things you need to know is the order of poker hands. The order of poker hands is the ranking system that determines which hand is stronger than another. Knowing this ranking system will help you make better decisions when playing poker and increase your chances of winning.
The order of poker hands starts with the highest hand, which is a royal flush. A royal flush consists of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 all in the same suit. This hand is extremely rare and only occurs once in every 649,740 hands dealt.
The next highest hand is a straight flush. A straight flush consists of five cards in sequential order all in the same suit. For example, 7-8-9-10-Jack all in diamonds would be a straight flush.
After a straight flush comes four-of-a-kind. This hand consists of four cards of the same rank and any other card. For example, four Kings and a 5 would be four-of-a-kind.
Next up is a full house which consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, three Queens and two Jacks would be a full house.
A flush is next on the list and consists of any five cards all in the same suit but not in sequential order. For example, 3-7-8-Jack-King all in hearts would be a flush.
A straight comes after a flush and consists of five cards in sequential order but not all in the same suit. For example, 4-5-6-7-8 would be a straight.
Three-of-a-kind comes next on the list and consists of three cards of one rank with two other random cards. For example, three Aces with a King and Queen would be three-of-a-kind.
Two pairs come after three-of-a-kind and consist of two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank, and any other card. For example, two Kings, two 7s, and a 5 would be two pairs.
The last on the list is a pair which consists of two cards of the same rank with three other random cards. For example, two Jacks with a 4, 8, and King would be a pair.
It’s important to remember that in poker, if more than one player has the same hand ranking, then the player with the highest card wins. For example, if two players have a pair of Aces but one player also has a King in their hand while the other player doesn’t have any high card besides their pair of Aces then the first player wins.
In conclusion, learning the order of poker hands is crucial to becoming a successful poker player. With this knowledge in mind, you’ll be able to make better decisions at the table and increase your chances of winning big!
