Hand Rankings

The basis of all Poker knowledge is built upon the hand rankings. Once these are understood you'll find a whole world of possibilities and game variations will be opened to you.

Take a moment to commit these to memory then take your new found understanding to the tables and there you'll begin to appreciate why Poker is the worlds' most popular card game.

Below, the hand rankings are displayed in an order of highest ranking hand (1. Royal Flush) to the lowest ranking hand (10. High Card). Five of a kind has been numbered 0 because it is only possible when wild cards are being used. If wild cards are being used, five of a kind is often considered the highest hand.

0. Five of a Kind
Five cards of the same rank. This hand can only occur if wild cards are used. (Ex. Q, Q, Q, Q, WC)

1. Royal Flush
A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit. The Big Kahuna. The hand everyone strives for and the reason we play this game.

2. Straight Flush
Any five card sequence in the same suit. (Ex: 8, 9, 10, J, Q and A, 2, 3, 4, 5 of same suit). You can take this hand straight to the bank.

3. Four of a Kind
All four cards of the same index (Ex: Q, Q, Q, Q). A great hand when you can get it.

4. Full House
Three of a kind combined with a pair (Ex: A, A, A, 5, 5). Many a round has been won and lost on this hand. Mostly won.

5. Flush
Any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. No need to turn red with embarrassment with this hand.

6. Straight
Five cards in sequence, but not of the same suit. After all, you wouldn't want to clash..

7. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank.

8. Two pair
Two separate pairs (Ex: J, J, 9, 9).

9. Pair
Two cards of the same rank. (Q, Q) Sometimes called a San Francisco Pair.

10. Highest Card
Highest card in your hand. Well at least you tried.