Learn What Beats What In Poker

Over the last 5 years there has been an exponential rise in popularity of poker; in particular Texas Hold’Em. With the game achieving regular television coverage and the proliferation of websites offering players the option to play online at any time more and more people are becoming interested in playing. One of the most commonly asked questions by beginners is ‘What beats what in poker?’ Below is a list of each of the possible 5 card hands ranked from the weakest through to the strongest. In poker the value of cards ranges from 2 (the weakest card) through to Ace (the strongest).

High Card

The lowest ranking hand that can be achieved in poker is simply a high card. In this situation the player has failed to make any of the hands below and they are relying on the value of the highest card in their hand.

Pair

A pair is fairly self explanatory; it is achieved when a player has 2 cards of the same denomination in their hand. For example 2-2 or Q-Q. If 2 or more players finish the game holding pairs the winner is the player whose pair is comprised of the highest cards.

Two Pair

The two pair hand is when the player manages to secure 2 pairs of cards in a single hand: for example if their hand contained 5-K-4-K-5 the player would have pairs of 5’s and Kings.

Three of a Kind

This is when the player has 3 cards of the same value in their hand. For example J-J-J or 6-6-6.

Straight

A straight is when all of the cards in the hand are sequential in value ie. 5-6-7-8-9. In a straight the suit is irrelevant and the strength of the straight is based on the value of its highest card (9 in the above example).

Flush

A flush is a hand where all of the cards are from the same suit. If two players both achieve straights the winner is the player who has the highest card in their flush.

Full House

A full house is a hand that contains both a 3 of a kind a pair. For example A-A-A-7-7. If two players both make full house the winner is the player with the highest value 3 of a kind.

4 of a Kind

This occurs when a players hand contains all four cards of a particular value such as 10-10-10-10.

Straight Flush

The straight flush is the highest ranking hand in poker. It is achieved when a player creates a straight where all of the cards are of the same suit. The highest possible single hand therefore is 10-J-Q-K-A all of the same suit; this hand is commonly referred to as a Royal Flush.

With this knowledge you will be able to step into games of online or casino poker and begin having fun and winning money.

By: Alistair Summers

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Now that you are aware of what beats what in poker the next step would be to learn the basic rules of poker.