Poker Hand Values

Before a single ante is thrown into the pot, any beginning poker player should have an understanding of poker hand values. Not only will hand value tell a player whether or not they hold a good hand, but it also gives insight into how many possible hands exist that can beat his or her own hand. The following is a list of hand values, from lowest to highest, to help get the beginner off to a good start: Pair - Two cards of the same denomination (or value), such as the aces in an A-A-3-7-5 hand. When two players both have a pair, the highest pair wins. When both players have a pair of the same value, the next highest card wins. This is referred to as the 'kicker' card. For example, 6-6-Q-8-3 beats 6-6-9-8-3, because the Queen beats the nine. If the pairs and the kickers are equal, the next highest card in the hand is the decider. For example, 6-6-Q-8-3 beats 6-6-Q-7-3 because the eight beats the seven. This process continues until there is a winner.

Two Pair - Two sets of two cards of the same denomination, such as A-A-5-5-9. The higher of the top pairs wins. A-A-4-4-7 beats K-K-9-9-10. If the top pairs are equal, the second pair breaks the tie. If both the top pair and the second pair are equal, the kicker card breaks the tie.

Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same denomination, such as A-A-A-7-2. The higher ranking cards win. For example, Q-Q-Q-5-8 beats 9-9-9-5-8.

Straight - Five cards in sequence, but not in the same suit. When two or more players have a straight, the straight with the highest ranking card wins. Q-J-10-9-8 beats 9-8-7-6-5. If the straights both contain cards of the same rank, the pot is split.

Flush - Any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. In the event that two or more players hold a flush, the flush with the highest ranking card wins. K-9-3-7-5 beats J-9-7-5-4. If the highest cards in each flush are the same, the next highest cards are compared. This continues until there is a winner.

Full House - Three of a kind combined with a pair, such as 9, 9, 9, 6, 6. The hand with the higher ranking set of three cards wins. For example, J-J-J-5-5 beats 9-9-9-K-K.

Four of a Kind - The higher ranking set of four cards wins. For example, Q-Q-Q-Q-4 beats 9-9-9-9-K.

Straight Flush - Any five card sequence in the same suit, such as 7, 8, 9, 10, J of the same suit. Ties are broken in the same way as a regular straight.

Royal Flush - A, K, Q, J, 10 all in the same suit. This is the highest possible poker hand. Two or more Royal Flushes split the pot.