What card beats what in poker?

Poker is a popular card game that has been played for centuries. It involves a combination of skill, strategy, and luck, making it a favorite among players of all levels. One of the key elements of poker is knowing which cards beat which, as this knowledge can greatly impact your chances of winning. In this article, we will discuss the hierarchy of poker hands and which cards beat what in poker.

Before we dive into the specifics, it is important to understand the basic rules of poker. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to make the best five-card hand possible. The ranking of hands is based on the probability of getting a particular combination, with the rarest hands being the most valuable.

The Hierarchy of Poker Hands

The hierarchy of poker hands is the order in which hands are ranked, from the lowest to the highest. It is essential to know this hierarchy as it determines the winner in a game of poker. The following is the standard hierarchy of poker hands, from lowest to highest:

1. High Card – This is the lowest hand in poker and is simply a single card with no pairs or combinations. In the event of a tie, the highest card wins.

2. One Pair – This hand consists of two cards of the same rank, such as two Aces or two 7s. In the event of a tie, the highest pair wins, and if both players have the same pair, the highest kicker (the remaining card) wins.

3. Two Pair – As the name suggests, this hand consists of two pairs of cards of the same rank, such as two Kings and two 5s. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest pair wins, and if both players have the same two pairs, the highest kicker wins.

4. Three of a Kind – This hand consists of three cards of the same rank, such as three Jacks or three 9s. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest three of a kind wins.

5. Straight – A straight is a hand that consists of five cards in sequential order, such as 4-5-6-7-8. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest straight wins.

6. Flush – A flush is a hand that consists of five cards of the same suit, such as five hearts or five spades. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest card wins, and if both players have the same highest card, the second-highest card is compared, and so on.

7. Full House – This hand consists of a three of a kind and a pair, such as three Queens and two 8s. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest three of a kind wins.

8. Four of a Kind – This hand consists of four cards of the same rank, such as four Aces or four 3s. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest four of a kind wins.

9. Straight Flush – A straight flush is a hand that consists of five cards in sequential order and of the same suit, such as 8-9-10-Jack-Queen of hearts. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest straight flush wins.

10. Royal Flush – This is the highest hand in poker and consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit. It is also known as a “Broadway” hand. In the event of a tie, the pot is split between the players.

Which Cards Beat What in Poker?

Now that we have covered the hierarchy of poker hands, let’s take a closer look at which cards beat what in poker. As mentioned earlier, the higher the hand, the rarer it is, and the more valuable it is. Therefore, a Royal Flush will always beat a Straight Flush, and a Straight Flush will always beat a Four of a Kind, and so on.

In the event that two players have the same hand, the tie is broken by comparing the highest card in the hand. For example, if two players have a pair of Aces, the player with the highest kicker (the remaining card) wins. If the highest kicker is also the same, the pot is split between the players.

It is also important to note that in poker, suits do not have any ranking. This means that a flush of hearts does not beat a flush of spades, and they are considered equal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing which cards beat what in poker is crucial to your success in the game. The hierarchy of poker hands is the key to determining the winner, and it is essential to understand the value of each hand. Remember, the higher the hand, the rarer it is, and the more valuable it is. So, the next time you sit down at a poker table, make sure you know which cards beat what to increase your chances of winning.