In a live casino game such this poker, bettors are dealt a combination of five cards, and the strength of their hand is determined by its rank. The ranking system establishes which hands are more valuable than others, influencing betting strategies and decision-making during gameplay.
Anyone who wants to get better at poker needs to know how the Poker Hand Ranking Chart works. We’ll break down the different hand ranks and explain what they mean in this post.
10 Poker Hands Complete Ranking Guide
Poker hands refer to specific combinations of cards that players hold during a game of poker. These combinations are ranked in a hierarchy, determining the strength and value of a player’s hand. In most traditional types of poker, each bettor is given a hand of cards from a normal deck of 52 cards.
The goal of the game is to create the best possible hand, based on the established ranking system, in order to win chips or money from other players. The player with the highest-ranking hand at the end of a betting round or showdown is declared the winner.
In order from best to worst, here is a quick list of the different kinds of poker hands:
1. Royal Flush
At the pinnacle of the poker hand hierarchy sits the illustrious Royal Flush. Comprising the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit, this hand is unbeatable. If you’re lucky enough to hold a Royal Flush, victory is virtually guaranteed.
Examples are:
| A♦ K♦ Q♦ J♦ 10♦ | A♥ J♥ 10♥ Q♥ K♥ | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ |
2. Straight Flush
The second ranking hand is the Straight Flush. Straight flush hand consists of five consecutive cards of the identical suit. Although not as terrifying as a Royal Flush, a Straight Flush still possesses great strength and has the potential to result in huge winnings.
Examples are:
| 5♦ 4♦ 3♦ 2♦ A♦ | 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 10♥ | 9♠ 10♠ J♠ Q♠ K♠ |
3. Four of a Kind
A Four of a Kind is obtained when a player possesses all four cards of the same rank, along with any additional fifth card. This hand has a commanding presence and frequently results in substantial profits for the gambler.
Examples are:
| A♦ A♠ A♥ A♣ 6 | 7♥ 7♦ 7♠ 7♣ J♥ | 6♦ 6♥ 6♣ 6♥ K♠ |
4. Full House
A Full House in poker is a hand that has three cards of the same rank and two cards of a separate rank. This hand displays a beautiful balance between toughness and probability, rendering it a highly advantageous resource in any poker game.
Examples are:
| J♠ J♣ J♦ 9♥ 9♠ | Q♣ Q♠ Q♥ 4♦ 4♦ | 9♥ 9♣ 9♦ J♣ J♠ |
5. Flush
A Flush happens when a player possesses five cards of the same suit, no matter their numerical order. Although not as often as certain more famous hands, a Flush is a strong competitor in any poker game.
Examples are:
| 2♠ 3♠ 9♠ 8♠ 5♠ | A♦ 4♦ 7♦ 2♦ 3♦ | K♥ 3♥ 6♥ 9♥ 2♥ |
6. Straight
A Straight is a sequence of five cards in consecutive order, with each card belonging to a different suit. This hand showcases a player’s capacity to sustain a sequence, and although it may not be as potent as a Royal Flush or Straight Flush, it still possesses significant worth.
Examples are:
| 6♣ 7♠ 8♥ 9♠ 10♦ | A♠ 2♣ 3♥ 4♦ 5♦ | 9♣ 10♠ J♠ Q♦ K♥ |
7. Three of a Kind
Three of a Kind consists of three cards of the same rank and two other unrelated cards. This three of a Kind hand offers a respectable level of strength, potentially leading to favorable outcomes.
Examples are:
| K♥ K♦ K♠ 7♥ 6♣ | J♥ J♠ J♣ 7♥ 4♦ | 4♦ 4♥ 4♣ 2♥ 9♠ |
8. Two Pair
As the name suggests, Two Pair comprises two sets of cards with matching ranks, along with one card unrelated in rank. This hand demands strategic finesse to maximize its potential, often requiring astute decision-making.
Examples are:
| 5♥ 5♦ 9♥ 9♣ 7♠ | 7♠ 7♣ 2♠ 2♥ Q ♦ | 10♦ 10♠ 6♥ 6♠ 3♣ |
9. One Pair
A One Pair hand involves holding two cards of the same rank, along with three unrelated cards. While not as formidable as higher-ranking hands, One Pair can still lead to victories when played wisely.
Examples are:
| 8♠ 8♣ 10♦ 9♠ 6♥ | 5♣ 5♦ 7♣ 3♥ 4♠ | Q♦ Q♠ 6♣ 7♦ 9♥ |
10. High Card
When a player’s hand does not fit into any of the previously mentioned categories, the highest card they have becomes the focus. While a High Card is considered the weakest hand in poker, it can still win under certain circumstances, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game.
Examples are:
| A♥ K♦ 10♣ 6♠ 2♠ | 5♠ 8♥ 10♦ 6♣ 4♠ | 2♠ 9♠ 7♥ A♣ K♦ |
Comprehensive Poker Hand Ranking Chart
Before you play your first serious hand of poker, there’s one silent weapon every winner holds—an instinctive grasp of hand rankings. This chart isn’t just a list; it’s your strategic foundation, helping you read the table and outplay your opponents with confidence. Let’s break down the hands not just by strength, but by how often they show up—and what they’re really worth.
| Rank | Hand Name | Description | Probability (5-Card Deal) | Estimated Return (%) |
| 1 | Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit – the ultimate hand | 0.000154% (1 in 649,740) | 800% (Video Poker – Jacks or Better) |
| 2 | Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit | 0.00139% (1 in 72,193) | 50% – 200% |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 0.0240% (1 in 4,165) | 25% – 125% |
| 4 | Full House | Three of one rank, two of another | 0.1441% (1 in 694) | 9% – 10% |
| 5 | Flush | Five cards of the same suit, not in order | 0.197% (1 in 509) | 6% – 8% |
| 6 | Straight | Five cards in sequence, different suits | 0.3925% (1 in 255) | 4% – 5% |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 2.1128% (1 in 47) | 3% – 4% |
| 8 | Two Pair | Two different pairs | 4.7539% (1 in 21) | 2% – 3% |
| 9 | One Pair | One pair only | 42.2569% (1 in 2.4) | 1% – 2% |
| 10 | High Card | No pairs, no matching suits, no sequences | 50.1177% | ~0% |
Conclusion
To become a good poker player, you need to learn how to use the Poker Hand Ranking Chart. If you know how hands are ranked, you can make better decisions during the game. Remember that the best way to get better at poker is to practice and play a lot. Understanding the odds and probabilities behind each hand also gives you a competitive edge. Studying real game scenarios and watching experienced players can accelerate your learning curve. Most importantly, stay patient and disciplined—success in poker comes with time, strategy, and consistent effort.
FAQs
What is the strongest poker hand?
The Royal Flush, which consists of K, Q, J, and 10, A of the same suit, is the strongest hand.
Can a straight wrap-around (for example, Q, K, A, 2, 3) be used?
A straight cannot be wrapped around. The highest straight is A, K, Q, J.
Can two players have a Full House at the same time?
Yes, two players may have a Full House at the same time. In these situations, the player with the highest three-of-a-kind wins.
