Next up is the four-of-a-kind. Picture yourself holding four cards of the same rank, accompanied by any fifth card as a kicker. This hand is also a force to be reckoned with at the poker table.

Example: 5 of diamonds, 5 of spades, 5 of hearts, five of clubs, 10 of diamonds (four 5s and a 10.)

4. Full House

In the realm of poker, the full house is made up of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. This hand is another formidable contender.

Example: King of clubs, king of spades, king of hearts, 5 of spades, five of hearts (three kings and two 5s.)

5. Flush

As you advance in your poker journey, the flush becomes your ally. It includes five cards of the same suit, regardless of their sequence. 

Example: 2, 7, 9, jack, king — all spades.

6. Straight

If the flush doesn't grace your hand, fear not, for the straight comes to your aid. The straight is made up of five consecutive cards of any suit.

Example: 6 of diamonds, 7 of hearts, 8 of spades, 9 of diamonds, 10 of clubs (a sequence from 6 to 10.)

7. Three of a Kind

Enter the three-of-a-kind, a hand boasting three cards of the same rank, accompanied by two unrelated cards.

Example: 2 of spades, 2 of diamonds, 2 of clubs, 7 of diamonds, 9 of spades (three 2s and unrelated 7 and 9.)

8. Two Pair

In the midst of the poker action, you may find yourself holding two pairs of cards of the same rank, along with one unrelated card. This gives you a two pair.

Example: 8 of hearts, 8 of spades, jack of clubs, jack of diamonds, 4 of spades (two 8s and two jacks with an unrelated 4.)

9. One Pair

When the higher-ranked hands elude you, one pair can still be strategically played. This hand consists of two cards of the same rank, along with three unmatched cards.

Example: 10 of clubs, 10 of spades, 3 of hearts, 7 of spades, king of diamonds (a pair of 10s with an unrelated 3, 7 and king.)

10. High Card

Sometimes you'll draw a hand that has none of the poker hands ranked above. In this instance, the high card becomes your trump card and determines your chances of victory depending on what other players are holding.

Example: 2 of diamonds, 5 of clubs, 7 of hearts, queen of spades, ace of clubs (ace is the high card.)

Mastering Poker Hand Rankings