Hand rankings

Hand Rankings: Learn the Different Hands in Poker, from a High Card to a Royal Flush
In poker, the value of your hand is everything. Understanding hand rankings is the key to making the right decisions at the table. Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em or Omaha, knowing the strength of your hand will help you determine how to bet, raise, or fold.
It’s important to note that every poker hand consists of 5 cards. While players may have additional cards dealt to them (like hole cards in Texas Hold’em), the final hand is always determined by the best 5-card combination.
Here’s a breakdown of the different hands in poker, ranked from the lowest to the highest:

1. High Card
Description: This is the lowest possible hand, but it can still win if no one else has a pair or better.
How It Works: If no player has any pair, three of a kind, or higher, the highest card in your hand determines its value. For example, if your highest card is a King, and no one else has a higher card, you win.
Example: A♠, 7♥, 4♣, 3♦, 2♠ (High card Ace).

2. One Pair
Description: A pair is made when you have two cards of the same rank.
How It Works: One pair is stronger than a high card, but weaker than two pair, three of a kind, and higher hands.
Example: 10♦, 10♣, K♠, Q♥, 3♣ (Pair of tens).

3. Two Pair
Description: Two pair consists of two different pairs of cards.
How It Works: The higher pair wins if both players have two pairs. If both players have the same higher pair, the second pair is used to break the tie.
Example: Example: J♥, J♠, 5♦, 5♣, 8♠ (Two pair: jacks and fives).

4. Three of a Kind (Trips/Set)
Description: Three cards of the same rank.
How It Works: Three of a kind is a solid hand. If multiple players have three of a kind, the one with the highest set wins.
Example: 8♣, 8♦, 8♠, 9♥, 4♣ (Three of a kind: eights).

5. Straight
Description: A straight is five consecutive cards of any suit.
How It Works: If multiple players have a straight, the player with the highest top card wins.
Example: 6♠, 7♦, 8♣, 9♥, 10♠ (Straight: 10 high).

6. Flush
Description: A flush is five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence.
How It Works: If multiple players have a flush, the player with the highest card in the flush wins.
Example: Example: K♦, J♦, 9♦, 5♦, 2♦ (Flush: King high).

7. Full House
Description: A full house consists of a three of a kind and a pair.
How It Works: The three of a kind is the deciding factor if multiple players have a full house.
Example: Q♠, Q♦, Q♥, 4♣, 4♦ (Full house: queens over fours).

8. Four of a Kind (Quads)
Description: Four cards of the same rank.
How It Works: The player with the higher four of a kind wins. If players tie with four of a kind, the kicker (the fifth card) is used to break the tie.
Example: Example: A♠, A♦, A♥, A♣, 10♠ (Four of a kind: aces).

9. Straight Flush
Description: A straight flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit.
How It Works: If multiple players have a straight flush, the one with the highest card wins.
Example: Example: 5♥, 6♥, 7♥, 8♥, 9♥ (Straight flush: 9 high).

10. Royal Flush
Description: The highest hand in poker, a royal flush consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all of the same suit.
How It Works: A royal flush is unbeatable. No other hand can surpass it.
Example: 10♥, J♥, Q♥, K♥, A♥ (Royal flush).

Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with the hand rankings, you’ll be able to better assess your chances during a game and make more informed decisions. Remember, while poker involves luck, skillful play and understanding hand strength can give you a significant edge over your opponents.
Start practicing with different hands to recognize their strength and refine your strategy!