What Is The Winning Hand Structure For Poker?

When you play poker, the lowest hand possible is a high card which is five different cards not matching in suit. The pair comes next, which is any two cards of the same number or picture, with a pair of twos being the lowest and aces being the highest possible pair. Two pair are next in the hierarchy, and again the value of the cards would reflect the winner if two players had two pair. Three of a kind would beat these hands and comprises of three cards identical in value (QQQ for instance).

A straight is next in the hierarchy, and is five cards of any suit in consecutive number order. This if followed by a flush, which is five cards of any numerical value but of the same suit. A full house comprises of a pair and a three of a kind; it is named with the three of a kind over the pair (so KKK44 would be called full house, kings over fours).

There are only three more hands to learn. Four of a kind comprises of any four cards with the same number or picture. A straight flush is a hand of five cards, in consecutive order, all of the same suit. The best possible hand is a Royal Flush which is the same as a straight flush but incorporates the picture cards and so is always 10, J, Q, K, Ace.

If ever two players finish with the same hand (e.g. a pair) then the numerical value depicts the winner, so a pair of Aces would beat a pair of Kings. If they both have the same pair, the kicker card would decide.