Understanding the Different Hands in Poker

Poker is a thrilling game when you know the rules and understand how to play, but it’s also complex. For one thing, there are different variations, so the rules can differ. Another is the fact there are so many different hands you can play, which means some are more powerful than others. Below is a look at how playing poker online differs slightly from playing face-to-face, plus a look at the different poker hands and how they rank.

The difference between online and offline poker

Playing poker online and offline isn’t quite the same. Offline, you need a bigger bankroll because the betting limits are higher. You’ll also find the rules could be different, whereas online they’re more standardized.

In terms of gameplay, traditional poker relies more on the human element. Body language, tells and behavior at the table matter, whereas online, the interactions are virtual and make it harder for players to base playing decisions on them. The gameplay is also slower offline, and you can’t play several games simultaneously.

The poker hands

The object of poker is to build the highest hand possible. Below are the hands, from the most valuable to the least.

Royal flush

A royal flush is the highest-scoring hand and is incredibly rare. It consists of a straight run from 10 to ace, all in the same suit. There are only four possible combinations and if you build one, you have close to a 100% chance of winning.

Straight flush

This hand consists of five straight cards in the same suit. A 5-6-7-8-9 of clubs would be a straight flush, for instance. The value of the top card determines the strength of the flush, so 6-7-8-9-10 would be better than 5-6-7-8-9.

Four-of-a-kind

Four-of-a-kind consists of four cards of the same value, plus another card. To have four 5s or four jacks would be four-of-a-kind, for instance. You’ll also see this hand referred to as “quads.” Only a straight flush and royal flush beat it.

Full house

A full house consists of three cards of one value and a pair of another e.g. three 5s and two aces. A full house beats straights and flushes, but not four-of-a-kind, straight flushes and royal flushes. If two or more players have full houses, the value of the triplet and then the double is considered, so the triplet that has the highest value would make the hand the winner.

Flush

A flush consists of five cards all the same suit. It doesn’t matter what the suit is, so five diamonds, five clubs or five of any of the other suits would make a flush. In a situation where two or more players produce a flush, the value of the flush starts with the highest card, then the second highest value, and so on.

Straight

A straight is a run of five cards with consecutive values but not all the same suit such as 2 of spades, 3 of spades, 4 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, and 6 of clubs. The suit doesn’t matter unless the hand is a straight flush. If more than one player produces a straight in a hand, the hand that has the highest value cards wins.

Three of a kind

Three-of-a-kind means having three cards all the same value, plus two random cards. This could be three queens, a four, and a six. When more than one player produces three of a kind, the hand that has the highest numeric value of the three-of-a-kind wins.

Two pairs

Two pairs consists of two pairs of different numeric values e.g. two 9s and two 10s. When two players or more have two pairs, the value of the highest pair determines the winner. If this pair has the same value, the highest lower pair value decides the winning hand. If it goes to a tie breaker, meaning both players have equal value pairs, the value of the random card resolves the issue.

One pair

One of the lowest hands is a pair of two cards of the same value plus three random cards. If two players have a pair, the hand that has the highest value pair beats the other. If they have equal value cards, the highest unpaired card wins.

One card

If the player has none of the combinations above, the value of the hand is the highest card. It’s the least likely to win in a showdown.

Poker is a complex game. If you’re not sure where to start, learn the basics first and play demo versions online so you can build your skills and knowledge of how the game works and of the rankings of the hands. When you feel confident enough, you can play cash games. Remember: there’s no rush.

Photo: World Poker Tour