Poker hands fall into one of 10 categories. The highest is a royal flush, followed by straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and finally, high card.

In this article, we will explore the official poker hand ranking system used in most casinos and online poker rooms around the world. We'll also touch on some variations and exceptions to keep you informed and ahead of the game.

The Official Poker Hand Ranking System

1. Royal Flush: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all of the same suit (e.g., all hearts).
2. Straight Flush: Five cards in a row, all of the same suit (e.g., 3-4-5-6-7 of hearts).
3. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Kings).
4. Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank (e.g., three Jacks and two Queens).
5. Flush: Five cards of the same suit, but not in a row (e.g., 2-4-7-9-10 of hearts).
6. Straight: Five cards in a row, but not all of the same suit (e.g., 3-4-5-6-7).
7. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Queens).
8. Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank (e.g., two Kings and two Jacks).
9. One Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Fives).
10. High Card: No pairs or runs, with the highest card winning (e.g., Ace-high beats King-high).

Variations and Exceptions

In some games, like Seven-Card Stud, the suit ranking is used to break ties. In these cases, Spades are considered the highest suit, followed by Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs.

In other games, like Razz, the player with the highest card has to post the bring-in, with suits used to break ties if necessary.

When dealing out cards at the beginning of a new game or choosing which player gets the first choice of game in a mixed-game format, the suit ranking can be used to determine who gets the button or an available seat at another table when a game breaks.

****, mastering the official poker hand ranking system is essential for any serious poker player. Knowing what beats what and how to use suits to break ties will give you a solid foundation for success in your next poker session.

Whether you're playing in a casino or online, understanding the rules of poker will help you make informed decisions at the table and increase your chances of winning.

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