Poker is a game that requires strategy, skill, and knowledge of hand rankings. In this article, we will delve into the world of poker hand rankings, exploring the top 10 hands that can help you win more games and become a better player.
1. Royal Flush
A Royal Flush is the highest possible hand in poker, made up of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten in the same suit. The probability of getting a Royal Flush is approximately 3,437.8 to 1, making it an extremely rare and coveted hand.
2. Straight Flush
The next highest hand is the Straight Flush, which consists of five cards in numerical order, all in the same suit. This hand has a probability of 36 out of 48 possible combinations, making it relatively common compared to the Royal Flush.
3. Four of a Kind
Four of a Kind is when you have four cards with the same rank, accompanied by one random card. The probability of getting Four of a Kind is approximately 594 to 1, making it a strong hand but not as rare as the Royal Flush or Straight Flush.
4. Full House
A Full House is when you have three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. This hand has a probability of 37.5 to 1, making it relatively common compared to higher-ranked hands.
5. Flush
A Flush is when you have five cards in the same suit, but not necessarily in numerical order. The probability of getting a Flush is approximately 32.1 to 1, making it a decent hand but not as strong as higher-ranked hands.
6. Straight
The next lowest hand is the Straight, which consists of five cards in numerical order, but not all in the same suit. The probability of getting a Straight is approximately 20.6 to 1, making it a relatively common hand.
7. Three of a Kind
Three of a Kind is when you have three cards with the same rank, accompanied by two random cards. The probability of getting Three of a Kind is approximately 19.7 to 1, making it a decent hand but not as strong as higher-ranked hands.
8. Two Pair
Two Pair is when you have two cards with one rank and two cards with another rank. This hand has a probability of 3.26 to 1, making it relatively common compared to higher-ranked hands.
9. One Pair
One Pair is when you have two cards with the same rank, accompanied by three random cards. The probability of getting One Pair is approximately 1.28 to 1, making it a relatively common hand but not as strong as higher-ranked hands.
10. High Card
The lowest possible hand in poker is the High Card, which has no matching cards. This hand has a probability of 4.74 to 1, making it the most common hand in poker.
Understanding Hand Rankings
Now that you know the top 10 hands in poker, let's discuss how ties are broken and kickers work:
- Ties are broken using the next highest card (kicker) if multiple players have the same hand.
- If kickers are also tied, the next highest card decides the winner.
- If all cards are tied, the pot is evenly split between the winning players.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best hand in poker?
The best hand in poker is a Royal Flush, made up of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten in the same suit.
- What is the worst hand in poker?
The worst hand in poker is a High Card, which has no matching cards.
- What beats what in poker?
One pair beats a high card, Two Pair beats One Pair, Three of a Kind beats Two Pair, a Straight beats Three of a Kind, a Flush beats a Straight, a Full House beats a Flush, Four of a Kind beats a Full House, and a Royal Flush beats all other hands.
- What's the highest suit in poker?
There is no highest suit in poker; they are all ranked equally.
- How many poker hands are there?
There are 10 possible poker hands, with the most valuable hand being a Royal Flush.
Mastering poker hand rankings is essential to becoming a successful player. By understanding the top 10 hands and how ties are broken, you can make informed decisions at the table and increase your chances of winning.