Poker hand rankings form the foundation of every poker variant. This comprehensive guide explains all poker combinations, their probabilities, and strategic value to help players make informed decisions at the table.
Understanding poker combinations is fundamental to playing any variant of poker successfully. Whether you are sitting at a casual home game or competing in a professional tournament, knowing which hands beat which determines your ability to make correct decisions. This comprehensive guide breaks down all poker hand rankings, explains the mathematical probabilities behind each combination, and provides strategic insights that separate winning players from losing ones.
Poker hands consist of five cards, and each hand belongs to a specific category based on the pattern formed by those cards. The ranking system is universal across most poker variants, though some games like Omaha or Seven-Card Stud may have specific rules about how hands are constructed. The core principle remains constant: rarer combinations rank higher than more common ones, reflecting the inverse relationship between mathematical frequency and hand value.
All poker combinations are derived from a standard 52-card deck containing four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit contains 13 ranks: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. In most poker games, suits have equal value, meaning a flush in hearts has the same rank as a flush in spades. Individual card ranks, however, are critical for determining winners when players hold the same category of hand.
The Ace holds a unique position in poker rankings. It functions as the highest card in most situations, but it can also serve as the lowest card when forming a five-high straight or straight flush. This dual nature makes the Ace the most versatile card in the deck and a key component of both the strongest and weakest straight combinations.
With 52 cards available, there are exactly 2,598,960 possible five-card combinations when order does not matter. However, because suits are not ranked independently, there are only 7,462 distinct hand ranks. Understanding this mathematical foundation helps players grasp why certain hands appear more frequently than others and why hand rankings follow their specific hierarchy.
The following section details all poker combinations in descending order of strength. Each category is explained with examples, probabilities, and strategic considerations that affect how you should play these hands in real game situations.
The Royal Flush represents the absolute pinnacle of poker hands. It consists of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit. This combination is technically a type of straight flush, but its status as the highest possible hand earns it a distinct name. With only four possible Royal Flushes in a 52-card deck (one per suit), the probability of being dealt this hand is approximately 0.000154%, or roughly 1 in 649,740 hands.
Because Royal Flushes are so rare, most players will never see one in casual play. In professional settings where thousands of hands are played, they remain extraordinary events. When you hold a Royal Flush, no other hand can beat you, making it the only combination where you can be absolutely certain of victory regardless of what opponents hold.
A Straight Flush consists of five cards in sequential rank, all of the same suit. Examples include 9-8-7-6-5 of hearts or King-Queen-Jack-10-9 of spades. The Royal Flush is technically the highest-ranking straight flush, but all other straight flushes fall into this category. When two players hold straight flushes, the one with the highest top card wins. A King-high straight flush beats a Queen-high straight flush, and so on.
There are 40 possible straight flushes in a standard deck (including the four Royal Flushes), giving this hand a probability of approximately 0.00139%, or about 1 in 72,193 hands. The Ace can function as either the high card in an Ace-King-Queen-Jack-Ten Royal Flush or as the low card in a 5-4-3-2-Ace straight flush, which is the lowest-ranking straight flush possible.
Four of a Kind, also called quads, consists of four cards of the same rank plus one unrelated card called a kicker. Examples include four Aces with a King, or four Sevens with a Three. When comparing two Four of a Kind hands, the rank of the four matching cards determines the winner. Four Kings beat four Queens, regardless of the kicker. If two players somehow have the same Four of a Kind (possible in games with community cards like Texas Hold'em), the kicker determines the winner.
With 624 possible Four of a Kind combinations, the probability of this hand is approximately 0.024%, or about 1 in 4,165 hands. While significantly more common than straight flushes, Four of a Kind remains an extremely strong hand that wins the vast majority of pots. Strategic considerations include maximizing value extraction, as opponents rarely expect you to hold such a powerful combination.
A Full House consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. Examples include three Jacks and two Fours, or three Aces and two Kings. When comparing Full Houses, the rank of the three matching cards (the trips or set) is evaluated first. A Full House with three Kings beats a Full House with three Queens, regardless of the pair. If the trips are equal, the pair rank determines the winner.
There are 3,744 possible Full House combinations, giving this hand a probability of approximately 0.144%, or about 1 in 694 hands. Full Houses are strong hands that frequently win large pots, but they can be vulnerable to higher Full Houses or Four of a Kind. Players must evaluate board texture carefully in community card games to assess the likelihood of being beaten.
Poker combinations are determined by the patterns formed by five playing cards. Each hand belongs to a specific category, and hands in higher-ranking categories always beat hands in lower-ranking categories. Within each category, individual card ranks determine the winner when players hold the same combination type.
The ranking system is based on mathematical probability: the rarer the combination, the higher its value. With a standard 52-card deck, there are 2,598,960 possible five-card combinations, but only 7,462 distinct hand ranks when suits are considered equal. Understanding these probabilities is essential for strategic play.
A Flush consists of five cards of the same suit that are not in sequential order. Examples include Ace-Jack-9-7-3 of diamonds or King-Queen-8-6-2 of clubs. When comparing Flushes, the highest card determines the winner. If the highest cards are equal, the second-highest cards are compared, and so on down to the fifth card if necessary. Suits themselves do not determine winners between Flushes.
With 5,108 possible Flush combinations, the probability is approximately 0.197%, or about 1 in 509 hands. Flushes are strong hands that often win at showdown, but they can be beaten by Full Houses, Four of a Kind, and Straight Flushes. Drawing to a Flush is a common strategic situation, and understanding flush odds is essential for profitable play.
A Straight consists of five cards in sequential rank, not all of the same suit. Examples include 10-9-8-7-6 of mixed suits or Ace-King-Queen-Jack-10 of mixed suits. The Ace can be high (in Ace-King-Queen-Jack-10) or low (in 5-4-3-2-Ace), but it cannot wrap around (King-Ace-2-3-4 is not a valid straight). When comparing Straights, the highest top card wins.
There are 10,200 possible Straight combinations, giving this hand a probability of approximately 0.392%, or about 1 in 255 hands. Straights are moderately strong hands but can be vulnerable to Flushes and higher-ranking combinations. In games with community cards, recognizing when the board allows for possible Straights is crucial for both offensive and defensive strategy.
Three of a Kind, also called trips or a set, consists of three cards of the same rank plus two unrelated cards. Examples include three Nines with a King and a Five, or three Aces with a Jack and a Seven. When comparing Three of a Kind hands, the rank of the three matching cards determines the winner. If those are equal, the highest kicker is compared, then the second kicker if necessary.
With 54,912 possible Three of a Kind combinations, the probability is approximately 2.11%, or about 1 in 47 hands. This hand is strong enough to win many pots but vulnerable to Straights, Flushes, Full Houses, and higher combinations. The distinction between a set (when you hold a pocket pair that matches one board card) and trips (when two matching cards are on the board) affects strategic considerations in community card games.
Two Pair consists of two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank, and one unrelated card. Examples include two Kings and two Fives with a Nine, or two Aces and two Threes with a Queen. When comparing Two Pair hands, the highest pair is evaluated first. If those are equal, the second pair is compared. If both pairs match, the kicker determines the winner.
With 123,552 possible Two Pair combinations, the probability is approximately 4.75%, or about 1 in 21 hands. Two Pair is a moderately strong hand that often wins in low-stakes games but can be vulnerable to better combinations. Proper evaluation of board texture and opponent ranges is essential when playing Two Pair, as overvaluing this hand is a common mistake among developing players.
One Pair consists of two cards of the same rank plus three unrelated cards. Examples include two Queens with an Ace, Jack, and Seven, or two Fives with a King, Nine, and Four. When comparing One Pair hands, the rank of the pair determines the winner. If the pairs are equal, kickers are compared in descending order until a difference is found.
With 1,098,240 possible One Pair combinations, the probability is approximately 42.26%, or about 1 in 2.4 hands. One Pair is the most common made hand in poker, winning many small pots but vulnerable to all higher-ranking combinations. Understanding when One Pair has value and when it should be folded is a fundamental skill that separates profitable players from losing ones.
High Card, also called no pair, is the lowest-ranking poker hand. It consists of five cards that do not form any of the above combinations. When comparing High Card hands, the highest card determines the winner. If those are equal, subsequent cards are compared in descending order. Examples include Ace-King-Jack-9-5 of mixed suits or King-Queen-10-7-3 of mixed suits.
With 1,302,540 possible High Card combinations, the probability is approximately 50.12%, or about 1 in 2 hands. While High Card is the weakest category, Ace-high can win in situations where all players miss their draws. Understanding when to bluff with High Card hands and when to fold them is crucial for advanced poker strategy.
Understanding the mathematical probabilities behind poker combinations provides strategic advantages. The following table summarizes the frequency and probability of each hand type when dealt five cards from a standard 52-card deck:
| Hand | Combinations | Probability | Odds Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 4 | 0.000154% | 649,739 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | 36 | 0.00139% | 72,192 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | 624 | 0.0240% | 4,164 to 1 |
| Full House | 3,744 | 0.144% | 693 to 1 |
| Flush | 5,108 | 0.197% | 508 to 1 |
| Straight | 10,200 | 0.392% | 254 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 54,912 | 2.11% | 46.3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | 123,552 | 4.75% | 20.0 to 1 |
| One Pair | 1,098,240 | 42.26% | 1.37 to 1 |
| High Card | 1,302,540 | 50.12% | 0.995 to 1 |
These probabilities apply to five-card poker variants where you receive all five cards at once. In games like Texas Hold'em or Omaha, where you construct your best five-card hand from seven or nine available cards, the probabilities differ significantly. For example, the probability of making a flush by the river in Texas Hold'em when you hold two suited cards is approximately 6.5%, much higher than the five-card probability.
A critical concept in poker strategy is distinguishing between a hand's absolute value and its relative value. Absolute value refers to where a hand ranks in the hierarchy of all possible combinations. A Full House has high absolute value because it beats most other hands. Relative value, however, considers the specific game situation, including board texture, opponent ranges, and betting patterns.
For example, a Full House with three Deuces and two Threes has high absolute value but may have low relative value on a board showing Ace-Ace-King-King-Deuce, where any opponent holding an Ace or King has a higher Full House. Similarly, One Pair of Aces has relatively low absolute value but may have high relative value on a dry board where opponents are unlikely to have connected.
Advanced players constantly evaluate relative hand strength rather than relying solely on absolute rankings. This skill involves reading opponents, understanding range construction, and adjusting to specific game dynamics. A hand that should be played aggressively in one situation may warrant caution or even folding in another, despite having identical absolute value.
While the standard hand rankings apply to most poker variants, some games use modified ranking systems. Understanding these variations is essential when transitioning between different poker formats.
In high games like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Five-Card Draw, the standard hand rankings apply exactly as described above. The player with the highest-ranking hand at showdown wins the pot. These are the most common poker variants played in casinos and online platforms.
In low games like Razz or Deuce-to-Seven Triple Draw, the objective is to make the lowest possible hand. In Razz, which uses Ace-to-Five low rankings, straights and flushes do not count against you, and Aces are always low. The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-Ace, called a wheel or bicycle. In Deuce-to-Seven low, straights and flushes do count against you, and Aces are always high, making 7-5-4-3-2 of mixed suits the best possible hand.
Games like Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo split the pot between the best high hand and the best low hand. To qualify for the low half, a hand typically must be Eight-or-better, meaning all five cards must be Eight or lower with no pairs. Players can win both halves of the pot by holding hands that qualify as both the best high and best low, called scooping.
Some home games and specialty variants include wild cards, which can represent any card to complete a hand. When wild cards are in play, an additional category called Five of a Kind becomes possible, consisting of four cards of the same rank plus a wild card. Five of a Kind ranks above a Straight Flush as the highest possible hand. Wild card games significantly alter hand probabilities and strategic considerations.
Knowing hand rankings is necessary but not sufficient for winning poker. Strategic application of this knowledge separates competent players from experts. Key strategic considerations include starting hand selection, understanding drawing odds, recognizing when to fold strong hands, and maximizing value from premium combinations.
Starting hand selection in games like Texas Hold'em depends on understanding which two-card combinations have the highest probability of making strong five-card hands. Premium pairs like Aces and Kings have immediate value, while suited connectors like Jack-Ten of hearts have potential to make Straights and Flushes. Position at the table significantly affects which starting hands are profitable to play.
Drawing odds involve calculating the probability of completing a hand and comparing it to the pot odds offered. If you hold four cards to a Flush after the flop in Texas Hold'em, you have approximately a 35% chance of completing it by the river. If the pot offers better than 2-to-1 odds, calling is mathematically profitable in the long run. Understanding these calculations is fundamental to profitable play.
Recognizing when to fold strong hands requires reading opponents and board texture. A Straight may be a strong hand in absolute terms, but if the board shows four cards of the same suit and an opponent is betting aggressively, folding becomes correct. Avoiding large losses with second-best hands is as important as maximizing wins with the best hands.
Mastering poker combinations and hand rankings is the foundation upon which all poker strategy is built. From the unbeatable Royal Flush to the humble High Card, each combination has specific mathematical properties and strategic implications that affect decision-making at every stage of play. Understanding not just which hands beat which, but also the probabilities behind each combination and how to evaluate relative hand strength in specific situations, separates winning players from the rest.
The hierarchy of poker hands reflects mathematical rarity, with less frequent combinations ranking higher than more common ones. This inverse relationship between probability and value creates the strategic depth that makes poker endlessly fascinating. Whether you are playing casual home games or competing at the highest levels, thorough knowledge of hand rankings combined with strategic application of that knowledge forms the basis for long-term success.
As you develop your poker skills, hand rankings will become second nature, allowing you to focus on more advanced concepts like range analysis, opponent profiling, and game theory optimal play. However, even experienced professionals regularly review fundamental concepts to ensure their decision-making remains sharp. Use this guide as a reference tool and foundation for continued learning in your poker journey.
The Royal Flush is the rarest poker hand, with only four possible combinations in a standard 52-card deck. The probability of being dealt a Royal Flush is approximately 1 in 649,740 hands, making it an extremely rare occurrence that most casual players will never experience.
Yes, a Flush always beats a Straight in standard poker hand rankings. A Flush consists of five cards of the same suit and ranks higher than a Straight, which consists of five sequential cards of mixed suits. This ranking reflects the mathematical probability, as Flushes are less common than Straights.
Yes, an Ace can function as the lowest card in a 5-4-3-2-Ace straight, which is the lowest-ranking straight possible. However, the Ace cannot wrap around, meaning King-Ace-2-3-4 is not a valid straight. In most situations, the Ace functions as the highest card.
When two players have the same category of hand, the winner is determined by comparing individual card ranks within that category. For example, if both players have a Flush, the highest card in each Flush is compared. If all five cards are identical in rank, the pot is split equally between the players.
There are exactly 2,598,960 possible five-card combinations from a standard 52-card deck. However, because suits are not ranked independently in poker, there are only 7,462 distinct hand ranks when considering hands that differ only by suit as equivalent.
Both trips and a set refer to Three of a Kind, but they differ in how the hand is constructed in community card games. A set occurs when you hold a pocket pair that matches one community card, while trips occur when two matching cards are on the board and you hold the third. Sets are generally stronger because they are more disguised.
In standard poker hand rankings, suits do not have different values. A Flush in hearts has the same rank as a Flush in spades if the card ranks are identical. However, suits matter for determining whether you have a Flush or Straight Flush, as all five cards must be of the same suit for these combinations.
Pocket Aces is the best starting hand in Texas Hold'em, giving you the highest pair before any community cards are dealt. This hand has the highest equity against any other single starting hand and should almost always be played aggressively pre-flop to build the pot and narrow the field.
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