Poker Hand Rankings: From Highest to Lowest – Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and understanding hand rankings is essential to knowing how the game works. Regardless of the poker variant—such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Five Card Draw—the standard poker hand hierarchy remains the same. These rankings determine which player wins when hands are compared at the end of a round. Below is a complete explanation of poker hand rankings, ordered from the highest to the lowest.
1. Royal Flush (Highest Hand)
A Royal Flush is the strongest hand in poker. It consists of the five highest cards—Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten—all of the same suit. Because it is extremely rare and unbeatable, a royal flush automatically wins against any other hand.
2. Straight Flush
A Straight Flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts. If two players have a straight flush, the one with the higher top card wins. This hand is powerful but still ranks below the royal flush.
3. Four of a Kind
Also known as quads, this hand includes four cards of the same rank, plus one unrelated card called a kicker. An example is four Kings with a random fifth card. If two players hold four of a kind, the higher set of four wins.
4. Full House
A Full House combines three cards of one rank with two cards of another rank. For example, three Queens and two Tens form a full house. When comparing full houses, the three-card portion is evaluated first.
5. Flush
A Flush consists of any five cards of the same suit that are not in numerical order. The strength of a flush is determined by the highest card it contains. If multiple players have a flush, the highest-ranking card decides the winner.
6. Straight
A Straight is five cards in numerical sequence, but not all of the same suit. An Ace can act as either the highest card (A-K-Q-J-10) or the lowest card (A-2-3-4-5). When comparing straights, the highest card in the sequence determines the stronger hand.
7. Three of a Kind
This hand contains three cards of the same rank and two unrelated cards. It is often called “trips” or a “set.” When two players have three of a kind, the higher-ranked three cards win.
8. Two Pair
A Two Pair hand includes two different pairs of cards, plus one kicker. For example, a pair of Aces and a pair of Nines. The higher pair is compared first, then the second pair, and finally the kicker if needed.
9. One Pair
A One Pair hand consists of two cards of the same rank and three unrelated cards. It is one of the most common hands in poker. If players have the same pair, the highest kicker cards are used to break the tie.
10. High Card (Lowest Hand)
When no player has any of the above combinations, the hand is ranked by its highest single card. This is known as a high card hand. If high cards match, the next highest cards are compared until a winner is determined.