Learn and Practice Hand Rankings in Texas Hold'em
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Poker hands are ranked from weakest (High Card) to strongest (Royal Flush). When players show their cards at showdown, the highest-ranking hand wins. Understanding these rankings is absolutely essential - you need to know instantly whether your hand beats another.
Why This Matters
Every decision in poker depends on hand strength. You need to know what you have, what you could make, and what your opponents might have. Memorizing these 10 rankings is step one to playing well.
Key Rules to Remember
- Royal Flush > Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Full House > Flush
- Flush > Straight > Three of a Kind > Two Pair > Pair > High Card
- Suits never determine winners between same-ranked hands (a heart flush ties a spade flush)
- When hands tie, the highest cards within the hand break the tie
Common Mistake
Thinking a flush beats a full house. Remember: Full House beats Flush! A full house (3 of a kind + pair) is harder to make than 5 cards of the same suit.