Poker is a game of skill, strategy and a bit of luck. It is one of the most popular card games played across the globe in both land-based and online casinos. If you are new to poker or looking to brush up on your skills, then knowing the poker hands in order is essential.
In this tutorial, we will take you through what the poker hands are in order from highest to lowest. We will also highlight some key points to keep in mind when playing poker.
Let’s get started!
The Poker Hands in Order
1. Royal Flush: This is the highest-ranking hand in poker.
It consists of five cards of the same suit, starting with Ace and ending with Ten. For example, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of Hearts.
2. Straight Flush: This hand consists of five cards of the same suit arranged in sequence. For example, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Spades.
3. Four-of-a-Kind: This hand consists of four cards of the same rank and one side card or ‘kicker’. For example, four Kings and a Queen.
4. Full House: This hand consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, three Queens and two Kings.
5. Flush: This hand consists of any five cards all in the same suit but not necessarily in sequence. For example, King, Jack, Eight, Six and Four all in Diamonds.
6. Straight: This hand consists of any five cards arranged consecutively regardless of their suits. For example; Seven Clubs – Eight Diamonds – Nine Hearts – Ten Spades –Jack Hearts
7. Three-of-a-Kind: This hand consists three cards all having the same rank along with two unrelated side-cards or ‘kickers’. For instance; Three Jacks along with a Two and a Seven of any suit.
8. Two Pair: This hand consists of two pairs of cards, each pair with a different rank, and one unrelated side card or ‘kicker’. For example, two Aces, two Queens, and a King.
9. One Pair: This hand consists of one pair of cards having the same rank along with three unrelated side cards or ‘kickers’. For example; a pair of Jacks along with 3 non-matching cards.
10. High Card: This is the lowest ranking hand in poker.
It consists of any five cards that do not fit into any other category above. The player with the highest card wins if there is no other combination.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
1. The aim is to make the best possible hand using five cards from a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
2. In the event that two or more players have the same hand, the pot is split equally between them. Always pay attention to what’s happening on the table and observe your opponents’ actions carefully. Don’t be afraid to fold if you have a weak hand or if your opponent seems to have a better one. Never reveal your cards until the end of each round when it’s time for showdowns unless you have won by default because your opponent has folded their cards. Always keep an eye on your bankroll and manage it wisely when playing poker; don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Conclusion
Knowing what poker hands are in order is crucial for anyone looking to play poker seriously or casually. Being familiar with these hands will help you make better decisions about when and how much to bet during gameplay.
Remember that practice makes perfect; so try playing some games online or with friends to get comfortable with different hands and their rankings before hitting the casino floor!
Happy Playing!
