Poker hand rankings
In poker, the highest 5 card hand wins. Hand rankings are shown below in order of strength, starting with the strongest. If players hold the same hand rank, the highest hand wins, with Ace being the highest card.
Royal Flush
An Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten in the same suit.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit. If there are two straight flushes, the player with the highest straight flush wins.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same value, and one other card. In games where it is possible for players have the same four of a kind, the highest fifth card or "kicker" wins.
Full House
Three cards of the same value, and two other cards of the same value. If more than one full house, the highest three matching cards wins the pot. If this is the same, the highest value of the two matching cards wins.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit. If two or more players hold a flush, the player holding the highest ranked card wins. If this is the same, then the second-highest, third-highest, fourth-highest, and fifth-highest cards are used to determine the winner.
Straight
Five consecutive cards. In tie situations; the straight with the highest ranking card wins. Note:
- The Ace may be used as a high or low card in a straight e.g. A2345 or TJQKA.
- A straight from high to low cards e.g. QKA23 is not possible
Three of a kind
Three cards of the same value. In the event of a tie, highest ranking three of a kind wins. If this is the same, the player with the highest side card wins.
Two pair
Two cards of the same value. In tie situations; the highest pair wins. If players have the same highest pair, highest second pair wins. If both players have identical pairs, highest side card (kicker) wins.
One pair
Two cards of the same value. Higher pairs beat lower pairs. If players have the same pair, the player with the highest side card wins (the pot is only split if all three side cards are the same).
High card ("nothing")
Any other hand. In the event of a tie, the highest card wins, and if necessary, the second-highest, third-highest, fourth-highest and smallest card can be used to break the tie.