Poker Hand Rankings Explained

Knowing the poker hand rankings is the foundation of every poker game. This guide lists them from weakest to strongest with clear examples, so you always know what beats what.

The ranking order

From weakest to strongest, the standard five-card poker hands are:

1. High card
2. One pair
3. Two pair
4. Three of a kind
5. Straight (five in sequence)
6. Flush (five of one suit)
7. Full house (three of a kind plus a pair)
8. Four of a kind
9. Straight flush
10. Royal flush (the highest straight flush)

What beats what

A higher-ranked hand always beats a lower one. When two players hold the same type of hand, the higher cards decide the winner.

Ties and kickers

When hands are the same type, a 'kicker' (the highest unused card) often breaks the tie. If hands are completely equal, the pot is split. These rules apply in Texas Hold'em and most poker variants.

Three-card games differ

Games dealt with only three cards, such as Three Card Poker and Teen Patti, use a different ranking order — for example a straight beats a flush — because three-card combinations have different odds.

🔞 18+ only. Examples are hypothetical and for explanation only — they are not betting advice or real odds. Please gamble responsibly.

FAQ

From weakest to strongest: high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush and royal flush.

Yes, in standard five-card poker a flush beats a straight. Note that in three-card games like Three Card Poker the order is different and a straight beats a flush.

A kicker is the highest unused card that breaks a tie when two players hold the same type of hand. If hands are completely equal, the pot is split.

Last updated: 2026-06-15