Introduction:
Poker is an exhilarating collection of card games that combines skill, strategy, and luck. The objective is simple: beat your opponents by creating the best possible hand with the cards dealt. Along with thrilling betting rounds, the game’s stakes are raised, making it a favorite among gamblers and enthusiasts worldwide. In a standard 5-card game, understanding the poker hand rankings is crucial for increasing your chances of winning. In this blog, we will explore the seven poker hand rankings that you must remember to become a poker pro.
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Royal Flush:
The Royal Flush is the holy grail of poker hands and the highest-ranked hand you can achieve. It consists of a straight and same-suited ten, jack, queen, king, and ace. A Royal Flush is exceedingly rare, and when you’re lucky enough to have one, victory is practically guaranteed.
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Straight Flush:
Following the Royal Flush, the Straight Flush holds the second-highest position. A Straight Flush is a combination of cards in sequence and of the same suit. In this set, Aces can be played as low cards to complete a sequence of 2 to 5, provided they share the same denomination.
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Four of a Kind:
The Four of a Kind is a powerful hand that comprises four cards of the same rank, one from each suit. The fifth card, known as the kicker, is expected to be of higher value. In case multiple players have this hand, the one with the highest ranking four cards takes the pot, and if the four cards are identical, the kicker decides the winner.
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Full House:
A Full House consists of two sets of cards, one with three cards of the same rank and the other with two cards of the same rank. The order of the cards in each set is not important, which means they can be spaced apart in rank. For example, 3 of sevens and 2 of eights would form a Full House. If more than one player has a Full House, the winner is determined first by the rank of the three cards and then by the rank of the two cards.
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Flush:
The Flush ranks fifth in the list and involves a hand with cards of the same suit, without any specific sequence. The order of the cards doesn’t matter; all that counts is that they belong to the same suit. If multiple players have a Flush, the highest-value card in the hand determines the winner, and the type of Flush is named after the highest card, for instance, an “Ace Flush.”
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Straight:
A Straight is a set of five cards with sequential ranks, but they can belong to different suits. The value of the cards is compared to determine the strength of the Straight. In case two players have identical Straights, the prize is split between them. It’s important to note that an Ace can be used as both a high card (beside a King) or a low card (beside a two) to complete a sequence.
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Three of a Kind:
The Three of a Kind is not the weakest hand, but it falls low in the ranking. It comprises three cards of the same rank and two unpaired cards. Like the Four of a Kind, the kickers come into play to determine the winner if multiple players have a Three of a Kind.
Conclusion:
Understanding the poker hand rankings is crucial for any aspiring poker player. These seven hand rankings form the foundation of poker strategy, and mastering them will greatly enhance your chances of success on the poker table. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, always keep these hand rankings in mind and apply them wisely to take down your opponents.
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