Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the Philippines today. But whether you play online or not, you need to understand poker hand rankings to play any variant of poker. Indeed, this is a fundamental aspect of the game. In other words, learning poker hand ranking is something you cannot ignore if you want to play poker.
Fortunately, it is easy to learn the different poker hand rankings. Moreover, once you know them you’re set forever. So in this simple guide, we’ll be discussing all the little details. From the hand and card rankings to tips to boost your winning chances, by the end you’ll be a pro.
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Basics First – Poker Hands & Rules
Basically, your objective in poker is to obtain the highest ranking card combination possible. Moreover, whatever the online poker variant is – the end goal is still the same. Although you may have a different amount of cards to work with, the ranking of hands always determines the winner. So, knowing all possible combinations is crucial. Here are the various poker hands you could get:
Royal Flush
A royal flush is the best possible hand, though it is rare. Even some of the most experienced players have never achieved it. The hand consists of a 10, J, Q, K, and A, all of the same suit. Unfortunately, the chance of making this hand is one in 649,740. But if two or more players have a royal flush, the player with the highest card wins.
Full House
A full house is a hand containing three cards of a similar rank and two cards of another rank. For example, Q, Q, Q, 2, 2. If there are two full houses in one round, the highest three of a kind will win. So when players have a tie, it’s first broken by a three of a kind and then pair. This means K, K, K, 2, 2 beats Q, Q, Q, A, A, which in turn beats Q, Q, Q, J, J.
Straight Flush
Basically, a straight flush has five cards of the same suit in sequence. For example, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 of spades. Like a Royal flush, this is another hand you’re unlikely to see in a game. Furthermore, the chances of making this hand are 1 in 650,000. However, in the event of two straight flushes, the highest hand wins.
Four of a Kind
You have a four-of-a-kind when you have four cards of the same value along with a side card. For example, Q, Q, Q, Q, 5. In other words, the side card could be any. If there’s a tie on the rank, the outside card breaks ties.
Flush
A flush is a hand containing five cards of the same suit. However, they don’t need to be consecutive cards. For example, 2, 5, 6, J, and A, all of which are clubs form a flush. If players have the same flush, the pot is split.
Straight
A straight contains five cards of sequential value, but not all of the same suit. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Moreover, Aces can either be used as a low card below a two or a high card above a king.
Three of a Kind
Three of a kind or trips is when you have three cards of the same value and two cards each of different values. For example, A, A, A, 4, 2. If two or more players have the same three of a kind, the highest kicker wins.
Pair
A pair is two cards of the same value in a hand. For example, 7, 7, 4, 9, K. It might be the second-worst hand, but it can also be a winner depending on the situation of the game. The highest kicker wins if more than one player has the same pair.
Two Pairs
Two pairs are exactly what it sounds like. A hand containing two cards of the same rank and additional two cards of the same rank. For example, J, J, 10, 10, 8. If there are two of these, the player with the highest pair wins. If the pairs are the same, the player with the higher second pair will be the winner.
High Card
When no one makes a hand containing at least one pair, then it’s a high card hand. For example, A, Q, 9, 6, and 3 an ace-queen high. In other words, the highest value card determines the hand status and therefore winners.
Poker Card Rankings
Much like with other casino games involving cards, the cards themselves have a rank as well. In poker, cards rank in the following order: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. Of course, Ace is the highest and 2 the lowest card. Sometimes, Aces can serve as 1, therefore making them lower than 2s. Besides the hand rankings, understanding card ranks is a fundamental piece of knowledge. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to make sense of the rest of the rules.
Poker Hand Rankings
Of course, by now you know that hand rankings in poker not only exist but are super important. Actually, you already know the hand rankings in poker, it’s exactly the same as those we’ve listed above. But here are the hands once more, from the highest to the lowest: Royal flush, Straight flush, Four of a kind, Full house, Flush, Straight, Three of a kind, Two pairs, Pairs, and High card.
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Poker Hand Rankings Determine the Winner
Winning a poker game is all about your hand rank. For instance, three of a kind beats a pair, a flush beats a straight, and so on. So basically, the player with the highest five-card hand wins. If two players have the same hand, the rank of cards will determine the winner. So, a straight of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 is weaker than a straight of 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack. When it comes to flushes, the highest-ranking card there will determine the winner. However, if high cards tie, the second-highest card will be used, and so on.
Our Pro Tips for Winning Poker
In order to make the best out of your gaming session:
- Practice for free – Many top Philippines online casinos offer free versions of poker you can use to practice and hone your skills
- Play your favorite poker variant – Be sure to play your favorite variant to increase your winning chances.
- Play a few game sessions at a time – It will help you manage your bankroll and stay responsible.
- Use special calculators – With special calculators, you’ll be able to determine the probability of each game.
- Fold when you’re unsure – When you’re stuck between whether to fold or call versus raise and bet, do yourself a favor and fold.
Play Poker and Win
Understanding the different poker hands will go a long way in increasing your winning chances. But now that you know all about that, it’s time to go and explore. Check out our casino reviews and find the best destination for your needs. We review online casinos in the Philippines and recommend only the best ones, to save you some time.
FAQ
The royal flush is the best hand in poker.
Well, yes, but it would be a huge obstacle to your winning chances.
When this happens, the player with the better high pair wins.
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