Poker hand rankings are at the heart of the game of poker. When you are dealt your cards the goal is to make the best poker hands possible and out play the opponent. When it comes to what beats what in poker it is the poker ranking, sometimes called poker hand rules, that is paramount.
Many times folks are intimidated by poker hand rankings, not knowing which poker hands are at the top, and without knowing what beats what in poker it is no wonder they are skittish about playing the game. Learning poker ranking, however, is a simple process that becomes easier over time. The poker hand rules won't change from game to game, so repetition is key.
Most decks of cards come with one special card that lists the poker hand rankings, or you can write down the poker hands on a “cheat sheet.” Whatever you need to do to learn what beats what in poker, because without a clear understanding of poker ranking you not only won't know if you've won at the end, you won't be able to apply poker hand rules to proper betting.
The right poker hands can turn a losing night into a windfall, so don't delay - learn what beats what in poker with this handy poker ranking chart. The poker hand rules are really very simple:
Poker hand rankings
High Card
When no one has a better hand, the player with the highest card wins.
Pair
A match of two cards of the same value, such as two Kings. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the higher pair wins. In case of a tie, high card wins.
Two Pair
Two matches of two cards of the same value, such as two Kings and two Tens. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the highest pair wins. In case of a tie, high card wins.
Three of a Kind
A match of three cards of the same value, such as three Kings. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the highest three of a kind wins.
Straight
A run of five cards in numerical sequence, such as ten through Ace. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the higher straight wins.
Flush
A run of five cards in of the same suit, such as hearts or spades. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the higher flush wins.
Full House
Two matches, one with two cards of the same value and the other with three. So essentially this is a pair plus three of a kind, such as two Kings and three Tens. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the highest full house wins.
Four of a Kind
A match of four cards of the same value, such as four Kings. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the highest four of a kind wins.
Straight Flush
A run of five cards in numerical sequence, such as eight through queen, but also all of the same suit, like hearts. In the case of two or more players with the same hand, the higher straight flush wins.
Royal Flush
This is simply the highest possible Straight Flush, ten through Ace.
