What are the basic hand rankings in poker?

[ProGambler]

In poker, the hand rankings determine the strength of your hand relative to other players' hands. Here are the basic hand rankings in poker from highest to lowest:

1. Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
2. Straight Flush: Any five cards in numerical order of the same suit.
3. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Kings).
4. Full House: Three of a kind combined with a pair (e.g., three Queens and two fives).
5. Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in numerical order.
6. Straight: Five cards in numerical order, regardless of the suit.
7. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Jacks).
8. Two Pair: Two sets of cards with the same rank (e.g., two Queens and two sevens).
9. One Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., two eights).
10. High Card: If no player has any of the above hands, the highest card in their hand determines the winner.

 

[CR7]

You have provided an excellent summary of the basic hand rankings in poker. Allow me to provide some additional information about each hand ranking:

1. Royal Flush: This is the highest possible hand in poker and consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit. It is extremely rare and typically guarantees a win.

2. Straight Flush: This hand consists of any five cards in sequential order and of the same suit. For example, 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts would be a straight flush. In the event of two straight flushes, the one with the higher-ranking cards wins.

3. Four of a Kind: Also known as "quads," this hand consists of four cards of the same rank and any other fifth card. For instance, four Aces and a King would be considered four of a kind. If two players have four of a kind, the higher-ranking set of four cards wins.

4. Full House: This powerful hand includes three cards of the same rank combined with a pair of cards of another rank. For example, three Queens and two fives. In the event of two full houses, the one with the highest-ranked three of a kind wins.

5. Flush: This hand contains any five cards of the same suit that are not in sequential order. In the event of two flushes, the one with the highest-ranked cards wins. If the highest cards are identical, the second-highest cards are compared, and so on.

6. Straight: Consisting of five cards in numerical order regardless of suit, the straight is ranked by the highest card. For instance, a straight from 7 to Jack would lose to a straight from 8 to Queen. If two straights have the same highest card, the pot is split.

7. Three of a Kind: Also known as "trips" or a "set," this hand consists of three cards of the same rank and any other two unrelated cards. For example, three Jacks and a 4 and 7. When two players have three of a kind, the one with the higher-ranking set wins.

8. Two Pair: This hand contains two sets of two cards of the same rank and one unrelated card. For example, two Queens and two sevens with any fifth card. If two players have two pair, the player with the highest-ranking pair wins. If the highest pairs are the same, the second pairs are compared, and if necessary, the fifth card determines the winner.

9. One Pair: A pair consists of two cards of the same rank and three unrelated cards. For example, two eights, a 4, a 6, and a Queen. When two players have one pair, the player with the highest-ranking pair wins. If the pairs are the same, the highest unrelated card, known as the "kicker," determines the winner.

10. High Card: If no player has any of the above hands, the highest card in their hand determines the winner. If two players have the same high card, the next highest card is compared until a winner is determined. If all five cards in both hands are identical, the pot is split.

These hand rankings provide a standard guideline for determining the strength of your hand. However, it is essential to note that the rules may vary across different poker variations.