Poker is just as much, if not more, about playing your opponents as having a good hand. If you can convince a table that a win is in the cards, it doesn’t particularly matter whether or not it’s true if they fold. In the words of Harvey Specter from Suits, “I don’t play the odds. I play the man.”
Yet, to play the man, it’s necessary to understand the game and the best hands likely to win (whether or not your cards reflect them or if you’re bluffing). To succeed at poker, players must combine skill and strategy — hopefully, compounded by luck. But first things first: understand the best poker hands ranked to hedge your luckiest bets.
1. Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, Same Suit)
It’s no surprise that a hand with the term royal in it would be the poker créme de la créme. The rare hand consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all in the same suit. Most people use the ‘go hard or go home’ approach with this hand. There’s not much to lose when it’s almost impossible to beat.
2. Straight Flush (Five Consecutive Cards in the Same Suit)
A poker player is in a good position when they have five consecutive cards in the same suit. It’s a more common hand than a Royal Flush, but second best is still strong. However, if more than one player has a Straight Flush, the highest numbers win. So, someone with a 9, 10, J, Q, K, for example, will probably bet higher than a player with a 5, 4, 3, 2, or A.
3. Four of a Kind (Four Cards of the Same Rank)
A Four of a Kind, also known as quads, consists of four cards of the same rank. The higher the card, the better the hand. A higher kicker (a side card that isn’t related to a particular hand) can determine the winning hand in the case of a tie.
4. Full House (Three of a Kind and a Pair)
When players have a Three of a Kind and a Pair, it’s called a Full House (not to be confused with the ’80s show). While it’s considered a very good hand, players can get tripped up by overbetting depending on the strength of the Full House.
5. Flush (Five Non-Consecutive Cards of the Same Suit)
Someone with a Flush wields five cards of the same suit, but they don’t have to be consecutive. A Flush is a good hand, but making large bets poses some risks, as there’s a strong likelihood that someone will have a better hand.
6. Straight (Five Consecutive Cards of Different Suits)
A Straight consists of five consecutive cards, but they don’t have to be the same suit. It’s a decent hand but still in the bottom half. Making conservative bets is a good strategy if there’s a significant Full House of Flush threat.
7. Three of a Kind (Three Cards of the Same Rank)
As the name suggests, a Three of a Kind refers to a hand with three cards of the same rank. A player not good at evaluating their opponents’ possible hands may want to avoid hedging large bets. Still, skilled players often bet big if they feel like the risk is on their side — especially if their cards and kicker are on the higher end.
8. Two Pair (Two Sets of Matching Cards)
A Two Pair, which is two sets of matching cards, is an okay hand, but most skilled players avoid high bets with this draw — mainly if there’s a significant threat of a higher hand.
9. One Pair (A Single Pair of Matching Cards)
As far as mediocre hands go, One Pair is nearing the bottom of the barrel. Of course, a higher pair is better, but even a pair of Kings and Aces are easily beaten — even with a good kicker.
10. A High Card (A High Card With No Pairs)
If there’s no pair, the highest card will determine the winner. While it’s technically the worst hand, a good bluffer could make it work, especially if they have a high kicker. But if your poker face needs work, it’s best to fold.
While there are great, good, and bad hands in poker, the nature of the game ensures that it’s not entirely cut and dry. Knowing the best hands, what to do with them, when to hedge bets, and when to bluff are all as important as simply having a decent draw. Players can improve their poker skills with apps like World Series of Poker.