Understanding poker now hand rankings is one of the most important first steps for any beginner. In every version of poker, including Texas Hold’em, the winner is determined by who has the strongest five-card hand. Whether you’re learning the game or need a quick reference during play, this guide will walk you through the hand rankings from highest to lowest, along with a printable chart you can keep nearby.

Why Hand Rankings Matter

Knowing which hands are stronger than others allows you to make informed decisions during the game. It helps you evaluate your chances of winning a pot, know when to fold, and when to play aggressively. Without this fundamental knowledge, it’s nearly impossible to play poker with confidence.

The Poker Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)

1. Royal Flush

The strongest possible hand in poker. It consists of A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit.
Example: A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠

2. Straight Flush

Five consecutive cards of the same suit, but not starting with an ace.
Example: 9♦ 8♦ 7♦ 6♦ 5♦

3. Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, plus any fifth card.
Example: J♠ J♦ J♣ J♥ 4♠

4. Full House

Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Example: 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ 6♣ 6♠

5. Flush

Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Example: A♣ J♣ 9♣ 6♣ 3♣

6. Straight

Five cards in numerical order, but not all the same suit.
Example: 8♠ 7♦ 6♣ 5♥ 4♦

7. Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank and two other unrelated cards.
Example: 7♠ 7♦ 7♣ K♠ 2♥

8. Two Pair

Two different pairs, plus one side card.
Example: Q♠ Q♥ 5♣ 5♦ 9♦

9. One Pair

Two cards of the same rank and three other unrelated cards.
Example: 8♠ 8♦ A♣ 10♠ 3♥

10. High Card

If no player has any of the above combinations, the hand with the highest single card wins.
Example: K♣ 10♦ 7♠ 4♠ 2♣ (King-high)

Tips for Using Hand Rankings at the Table

• Always focus on your best five cards only—extra cards don’t help.

• Remember that suits don’t rank higher than one another.

• Practice reading the board quickly to avoid missing possible straights or flushes.

• Ties are more common than you might think—know how to split the pot.

FAQ

Is a flush stronger than a straight?
Yes, a flush beats a straight in poker hand rankings.

What happens if two players have a full house?
The player with the higher set of three wins. For example, 10-10-10-2-2 beats 9-9-9-K-K.

Can a straight go A-2-3-4-5?
Yes. This is called a “wheel” straight and is the lowest possible straight in poker.