The 10 Official Poker Hand Rankings
In standard poker (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud), hand strength is governed entirely by mathematical rarity. There are 10 recognized hand categories, and a rarer hand always defeats a more common one.
The Hierarchy from Highest to Lowest
Memorizing the hierarchy is your very first priority at the poker table. From strongest to weakest:
- ▸1. Royal Flush — A, K, Q, J, 10 of identical suit (unbeatable)
- ▸2. Straight Flush — Five sequential cards in one suit (e.g. 9-8-7-6-5)
- ▸3. Four of a Kind (Quads) — Four matching card ranks (e.g. K-K-K-K-9)
- ▸4. Full House (Boat) — Three of a kind plus a pair (e.g. J-J-J-8-8)
- ▸5. Flush — Any five cards of the same suit (e.g. A-J-8-6-3 of Clubs)
- ▸6. Straight — Five sequential cards of mixed suits (e.g. 10-9-8-7-6)
- ▸7. Three of a Kind (Trips/Set) — Three matching ranks (e.g. Q-Q-Q-A-4)
- ▸8. Two Pair — Two distinct pairs (e.g. 10-10 and 4-4 with Ace kicker)
- ▸9. One Pair — Two cards of matching rank (e.g. A-A-K-J-8)
- ▸10. High Card — No combinations; highest single card plays (e.g. Ace-high)
The #1 Beginner Trap: Flush vs Full House
Many beginners assume a Flush beats a Full House because five suited cards look visually impressive. In reality, a Full House is roughly 30% rarer than a regular Flush, so a Full House always wins.
When two players have a Full House, compare the Three-of-a-Kind first. Aces full of Deuces (A-A-A-2-2) beats Kings full of Queens (K-K-K-Q-Q).
Suits never break ties in poker. An Ace-high flush in Spades and an Ace-high flush in Hearts with identical ranks are an exact tie (split pot).
Complete all 3 checkpoint drills to earn +50 Bonus XP.