Poker is a card game that requires skill, strategy, and a good understanding of the hierarchy of poker hands. Before you start playing poker, it’s important to know the hierarchy of hands so that you can make informed decisions during the game. In this article, we’ll discuss the poker hierarchy and what you need to know before you start playing poker online games.
The Basics
In poker, there are ten possible poker hands that a player can have. These hands are ranked in order of strength, with the strongest hand at the top and the weakest hand at the bottom. Here is a list of the poker hands in order of strength:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Royal Flush
A royal flush is the strongest hand in poker. It consists of a straight flush of the highest value cards, which means it includes an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit. It’s a very rare hand, and if you’re lucky enough to get one, it’s almost certain you’ll win the game.
Straight Flush
A straight flush is the second-strongest hand in poker. It’s a combination of five cards of the same suit, in sequential order. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of hearts. If two players have a straight flush, the one with the higher-ranking cards wins.
Four of a Kind
Four of a kind is the third strongest hand in poker. It consists of four cards of the same value and a random card. If two players have four of a kind, the player with the higher-ranking cards wins.
Full House
A full house is the fourth strongest hand in poker. It’s a combination of three cards of the same value and two cards of another value. For example, three kings and two queens. If two players have a full house, the player with the higher ranking of three cards wins.
Flush
A flush is the fifth strongest hand in poker. It consists of five cards of the same suit, in any order. If two players have a flush, the player with the higher-ranking cards wins.
Straight
A straight is the sixth strongest hand in poker. It’s a combination of five cards in sequential order, regardless of the suit. If two players have a straight, the player with the higher ranking cards wins.
Three of a Kind
Three-of-a-kind is the seventh strongest hand in poker. It consists of three cards of the same value and two random cards. If two players have three of a kind, the player with the higher-ranking cards wins.
Two Pair
Two pairs is the eighth strongest hand in poker. It’s a combination of two cards of the same value, two cards of another value, and one random card. If two players have two pairs, the player with the higher-ranking pair wins.
One Pair
One pair is the ninth strongest hand in poker. It consists of two cards of the same value and three random cards. If two players have a pair, the player with the higher-ranking pair wins.
High Card
The high card is the weakest hand in poker. It’s a combination of five random cards with no matching suits or values. If two players have the same high card, the player with the second-highest card wins.