List of Poker Hands
Even though the rules of poker will depending upon which variant is being played (such as Texas Hold ‘em or Seven Card Stud, for example) the basic hand values remain the same across all games. The key to becoming a better poker player is understanding these values so that one can quickly judge the worth of any hand or potential hand that they hold. Once these hands are memorized, it becomes much easier to play the game and this increased knowledge brings confidence which generally leads to more wins at the table, as well.
Straight Flush – This is a hand that contains 5 sequenced cards, all in the same suit. This means, for example that Queen, Jack, 10, 9 and 8 of Diamonds would be a Straight Flush. Aces can play a low card with a value of 1 in a flush or, if they are the high Ace after 10, Jack, Queen and King then the player holds a Royal Flush. When two players both have a Flush, the highest valued Flush will win.
Four of a Kind – Also called Quads, this is simply 4 of the same card such as a 9 or a 7 in any suit. When two players have Quads, the one of greater value wins. The 5th card is called a kicker and in a showdown between two players with Quads the higher kicker wins.
Full House – Known also as a Full Boat, this is 3 cards of the same rank and 2 cards of another rank that also match. Between 2 Full House hands, the one with the higher 3 card rank wins. If they tie, then the hand with the higher pair of cards wins.
Flush – When 5 cards are in the same suit, this is called a Flush. When those hands are in sequential order then one is holding a Straight Flush. When 2 players both have a Flush, the player with the higher ranking top card wins. If they both have the same highest card, the next highest cards are compared, and so on, until a winner id determined.
Straight – This is 5 cards of rank that is an unbroken sequence. If the cards are all in the same suit, then the hand is called a Straight Flush. Like a Flush, when 2 players each hold a Flush, the highest cards are compared and if those 2 cards tie, then the next highest is compared. This goes down to the lowest cards until a winner is determined.
Three of a Kind – Also knows as a set or ‘trips’, Three of a Kind is exactly what it sounds like, 3 cards of the same rank along with 2 cards that do not match. When 2 players hold Three of a Kind, the higher trips will win and if they tie, then the other cards called kickers are compared until a higher card wins the showdown.
Two Pair – When a player has 2 cards of the same rank along with another 2 cards of a different rank, this is called a Two Pair. Players compare these to determine who has either the highest ranking pairs or, if those are tied, who holds the highest kicker card.
One Pair – When there are 2 cards of the same rank and three unmatched cards this is a Pair. When 2 players both hold a Pair, they will compare the kicker cards one at a time, starting with the highest ranked, to see who wins.
High Card – When no 2 cards are the same in a hand, the High Card of greatest value is used to determine the winner in a showdown.