How to Play Poker. The Basics

What hand beats what in poker

1) Royal Straight Flush

A royal straigh flush is when you have 10-J-Q-K-A, all of the same suit.

2) Straight Flush

Five cards, of the same suit, in order, such as 4-5-6-7-8 all of hearts.

3) Four of a Kind

Four of the same card, such as 8-8-8-8-5.

4) Full House

A set of three of a kind plus a pair, such as 10-10-10-3-3 or K-K-K-2-2.

5) Flush

Five cards all of the same suit, but not in order, such as 2-4-7-J-K of spades.

6) Straight

Five cards in a row, such as 3-4-5-6-7, but not all of the same suit.

7) Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same number or rank, such as 6-6-6. If you had Q-Q-Q-2-3, you'd have three of a kind.

8) Two Pair

Two pairs of cards of the same number or rank, such as 5-5-4-4. If you have a pair of sevens and a pair of nines, you've got two pair.

9) One Pair

Two cards that match, like K-K.

10) High Card

If no one has any of the above hands, the player with the highest card in their hand wins. Just having an ace in the hole is sometimes enough.