Learn

The Basics

Before you play, it's a good idea to have at least a basic understanding of the game. Below are some really great introductory videos to get you started on your path to playing one of the most fun and competitive card games ever created.

Hand Ranks

Below are the poker hands ranked from strongest to weakest.

Royal flush

The highest straight flush and the best hand possible. A, K, Q, J, 10, all the same suit.

A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠

Straight flush

Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suit.

9♦ 8♦ 7♦ 6♦ 5♦

Four of a kind

All four cards of the same rank.

A♦ A♣ A♠ A♥ J♣

Full house

Three of a kind with a pair.

K♥ K♦ K♣ 4♦ 4♥

Flush

Any five cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence.

J♣ 9♣ 7♣ 3♣ 2♣

Straight

Five cards in a sequence, but not of the same suit.

7♦ 6♣ 5♣ 4♥ 3♦ 

Three of a kind

Three cards of the same rank.

Q♥ Q♣ Q♠ K♣ 10♦ 

Two pair

Two different pairs.

4♣ 4♦ 3♥ 3♦ J♠

Pair

Two cards of the same rank.

A♥ A♠ 9♦ 5♣ 4♥ 

High card

When you haven't made any of the hands above, the highest card plays. In the example below, the king plays as the highest card.

K♣ J♠ 7♦ 3♠ 2♥

Terminology

As with any popular game, there's lingo that goes along with it. Learning some of these terms will help you keep up with the table talk during the game. Click here to review a glossary of the most common poker terms.