If you’re new to poker, one of the most basic concepts you’ll need to understand are the terms “straight” and “flush.” These two hands are some of the most common in poker, and can often be the difference between a winning and losing hand. So, what exactly are they?
A straight is a hand that consists of five cards in numerical order. For example, a hand of 2-3-4-5-6 would be a straight.
It’s important to note that an ace can be used as either a high card (above a king) or a low card (below a 2) when making a straight. So, an ace-2-3-4-5 would also count as a straight.
A flush, on the other hand, is a hand where all five cards are of the same suit. For example, if you have five hearts in your hand, you would have a flush. It’s important to note that the actual value of the cards in the flush doesn’t matter – what matters is that they’re all the same suit.
So how do these hands rank against each other? In general, a flush will beat a straight. This is because it’s harder to make a flush than it is to make a straight – there are only 13 cards of each suit in the deck, but there are 10 possible combinations for making a straight.
Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. In some versions of poker (such as three-card poker), straights will actually beat flushes. And in certain situations where players have multiple straights or flushes on the board (such as when playing Texas Hold’em), it’s possible for two players to have equally strong hands.
It’s worth noting that while straights and flushes can be powerful hands on their own, they’re often just parts of larger combinations. For example, a straight flush (a hand that’s both a straight and a flush) is one of the strongest hands in poker, and can often mean an instant win. And even just having one or two cards of the same suit or in numerical order can be the start of a strong hand.
In conclusion, understanding what constitutes a straight and flush in poker is key to becoming a successful player. While they may seem like simple concepts at first, the nuances of these hands can have a big impact on the game. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking to improve your skills, take some time to learn about these important poker hands – you’ll be glad you did!
