Poker Hand Ranks

There are different types of poker games, and they differ among themselves by the size of bets, which are made by the players.

Poker hand ranking is the basis for the guidance in the rules of poker. They may differ in the different types of game.

Poker hand determines the outcome of the game. The best poker hands give a chance to win. The poker hands order shows the strongest hand is at the top, the weakest is on the bottom.

If in the game are two or more the same ranking cards a winner is determined by the highest pair of cards. The winning poker hands are determined by the rank of cards, according to the poker hands order. Also, it is taken into account the suit ranking: clubs, hearts, diamonds and spades.

Poker hand rules determine which hand wins the pot at showdown as well. Winning poker hands are the same for all forms of poker. Any poker hand always contains 5 cards, although depending on the type of poker the way to determine these five cards may vary. There are ten simple hands in the poker, and it is easy to remember them.

The poker hand is divided into a few categories, such as flush, straight, or two pairs. The player wins with the highest ranking hand. The strongest poker hands include a pair of aces, kings, queens, and jacks. In order to play in the game, a player must know whether the hand is strong, otherwise it may have some consequences in the further game.

 

Here are some poker hands with pictures that help the new players to memorize them:

 

Royal Flush

A royal flush is an ace high straight flush.

 

 

 

Straight Flush
A straight flush is a five-card straight, all in the same suit.

 

 

 

 

Four of a Kind - Quads

Quads, or four of a kind, are four cards of equal rank.

 

 

 

 

 

Full House

A full house, contains a set (three) of cards of one rank and a pair of another rank.

 

 

 

 

Flush

A flush is any five cards, all of the same suit.

 

 

 

 

 

Straight
Five cards of sequential rank. Every possible straight will contain either a 5 or a 10.

 

 

 

  

Three of a Kind or Set

Three cards of the same rank.

 

 

 

 

 

Two Pair
A two pair is two cards of one rank and another two cards of another rank.

 

  

 

Pair
One pair is two cards of the same rank.

 

 

 

 

 

High Card

The hand with the highest card(s) wins.

 

 

 

 

 

In the event of a tie with either four of a kind, three of a kind, two pair, or one pair, the highest unpaired side card or 'kicker' in a player's hand wins the pot.

For example:
Player А:  J♣, J♥, 5♠, 5♦, Q♥ 
Player B:  J♠, J♦,  5♣, 5♥, 9♦

Player A wins the hand with Q kicker.