If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What beats what in poker?” — you’re not alone. Understanding hand rankings is one of the first and most important steps to becoming a solid poker player.
Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or even a wild home game, the hierarchy of poker hands is almost always the same. And knowing which hands win can mean the difference between a big pot and a busted bluff.
🃏 Poker Hand Rankings (From Strongest to Weakest)
1. Royal Flush
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The best hand in poker.
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A♦ K♦ Q♦ J♦ 10♦ (All the same suit)
2. Straight Flush
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Five cards in sequence, all the same suit.
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Example: 9♠ 8♠ 7♠ 6♠ 5♠
3. Four of a Kind (Quads)
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Four cards of the same rank.
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Example: K♣ K♦ K♥ K♠ 3♠
4. Full House
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Three of a kind plus a pair.
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Example: 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ 7♣ 7♦
5. Flush
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Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
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Example: Q♥ 10♥ 7♥ 5♥ 3♥
6. Straight
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Five cards in sequence, any suits.
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Example: 8♣ 7♦ 6♠ 5♥ 4♠
7. Three of a Kind
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Three cards of the same rank.
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Example: 9♠ 9♦ 9♣ K♠ 7♥
8. Two Pair
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Two sets of pairs.
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Example: J♣ J♦ 4♠ 4♥ 10♠
9. One Pair
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Just one pair.
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Example: Q♣ Q♦ 8♠ 5♥ 2♠
10. High Card
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No pair? Then your highest card plays.
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Example: A♠ 9♦ 7♣ 4♠ 2♥ — Ace-high
🔍 Why Hand Rankings Matter
Knowing what beats what helps you:
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Avoid embarrassing mistakes at the table
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Make smarter calls, raises, or folds
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Plan your strategy better when the board develops
A lot of new players overestimate hands like two pair or underestimate straights and flushes. Don’t be that player.
🧠 Pro Tip: Memorize Common Scenarios
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A flush beats a straight
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A full house beats a flush
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Three of a kind does NOT beat a straight
Still learning? Save a cheat sheet until it becomes second nature.
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