Poker is one of the most popular table games in any online casino. The combination of skill, strategy, and luck attracts more and more enthusiasts worldwide each year. If you are new to this card game, it is essential to start by learning about the different poker hands and their values. Below, we explain them in detail.
Five Cards to Win
The objective of poker is to obtain the best five-card hand. This applies regardless of the number of cards a player holds and the community cards on the table, which can vary depending on the poker variant.
The value of each hand is determined by how rare it is to form and how frequently it appears. The more common hands, such as a pair, have a lower value than a royal flush, which is much harder to achieve.
Below is an overview of all poker hands and their values:
- Royal Flush: The strongest hand in poker. This consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: The second strongest hand. This consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. If two players have the same hand, the one with the highest card in the straight flush wins.
- Four of a Kind: This hand consists of four cards of the same value, such as four Queens. If two players have Four of a Kind, the one with the highest value wins. If tied, the fifth card determines the winner.
- Full House: A combination of three cards of the same value and a pair. If two players have a Full House, the one with the higher set of three cards wins. If still tied, the pair decides the winner.
- Flush: This hand consists of five cards of the same suit. In case of a tie, the player with the highest card wins.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards, regardless of suit. If two players have a straight, the one with the highest value wins.
- Three of a Kind (Trips): Three cards of the same value. If tied, the remaining two cards determine the winner.
- Two Pair: This hand consists of two pairs of cards of the same value. If tied, the player with the higher pair wins.
- Pair: Two cards of the same value. The remaining three cards, known as kickers, determine the winner in case of a tie.
- High Card: If no player has a valid combination, the player with the highest card wins.
The Importance of Knowing Hand Values
One of the reasons poker is so appealing is that it allows room for player skill. A significant part of that skill involves assessing whether your hand is strong or weak. This depends on various factors that you must be aware of and analyse carefully.
- Number of Players: The more players at the table, the higher the chance that someone has a strong hand.
- Number of Chips in Play: In tournaments with a low chip count, players are often more willing to gamble with weaker hands.
- Playing Styles: Recognising the playing styles of opponents is crucial. Players who play few hands usually do so only with strong hands, whereas those who play many hands tend to be less strict.
- Community Cards: The cards on the table can help determine how likely it is that other players have strong hands and how your own hand compares.
Poker is a table game that is both complex and captivating. Knowing hand values is the first step to mastering the game. After that, you must learn the rules, which can vary slightly depending on the poker variant. And finally, always play responsibly. Enjoy the game!