Poker Hand Rankings

If you're completely new to poker games then you have to start with learning the hand values. It is usually played with a standard 52 card deck, but there are some games where jokers are used too. A poker hand consists of five cards. Ace is the highest card, but can be used as the lowest too in a straight.

Hands are ranked as follows (from low to high):

	High card A hand that doesn't qualify for any of the below.
	Pair Two cards with the same denomination.
	Two pair Two different pairs in the same hand.
	Three of a kind Three cards of the same rank.
	Straight All five cards in denomination sequence.
	Flush All five of the same suit.
	Full house A three of a kind and a pair together.
	Four of a kind Four cards of the same rank.
	Straight Flush A straight flush is a straight with all cards of the same suit.
	Royal Flush A straight flush with ace high (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit), the best possible poker hand.

Hands of the same rank

You always try to declare a winner in poker. If two players got a hand of the same rank, for example a pair, then the player with the highest pair wins. When two hands with full house ties, then the one with the highest three of a kind wins. For straights and flushes the highest card wins. If two hands got the same high card, then you look at the second highest, then the third etc.