If two players have two-pair, the rank of the higher pair determines the winner. Two-pair hands are, of course, composed of two pairs. If two players have the same three-of-a-kind, then the other cards, or both cards, determine the winner, since a poker hand is a always composed of five cards. If two players have a straight, the one with the highest cards wins.Ī three-of-a-kind is a poker combination of three cards of the same rank. If two players have a flush, then the one with the highest cards wins.įive consecutive cards are called a straight. A full house is still one of the best poker hands.įive cards of the same suit make a flush. If they have the same one, then the pair counts. If two players have a full house, then the one with the highest three-of-a-kind wins. If they have the same (if four-of-a-kind is on the board), then the player with the highest fifth card wins, since a poker hand is always composed of five cards.Ī full house is a poker combination of a three-of-a-kind and a pair. If two players have four-of-a-kind, then the one with the highest four-of-a-kind wins. If two players have a straight flush, the one with the highest cards wins.Ī four-of-a-kind is four cards of the same rank, e.g. It is composed of five consecutive cards of the same suit. The second strongest hand in poker is the straight flush. It consists of Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit, e.g. The strongest poker hand is the royal flush.

In the event of a tie, the highest poker cards win. What follows is poker rankings from the strongest to the weakest. This is even true if the two hole cards you have been dealt are the worst, you can instead to 'play the board' meaning your best hand is made up of the five shared cards. For example on the river in a hand of Texas Hold'em you actually have seven cards to choose from, and you are allowed to pick whichever poker combination of the five make up the best hand. You will not get very far if you do not understand what hand beats which other hands.Ī poker hand is typically made up of the best five cards you have at your disposal. The most important in the game is to understand the poker hand strength and rankings. Poker Hand Rankings & Charts: Evaluate Your Poker Cardsīefore you take us up on our free poker money offer on your way to becoming a World Series of Poker champion, you must first master the basics.

How to play poker what beats what