Poker rules: hand rankings and how Texas Hold'em works
In short
The strongest poker hand is a royal flush, followed by a straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair and high card. In Texas Hold'em each player gets two hidden cards, and five shared cards are dealt face up on the table.
Hand rankings, strongest to weakest
This is how poker hands rank:
- Royal flush: 10, jack, queen, king and ace of the same suit.
- Straight flush: five cards in sequence of the same suit.
- Four of a kind: four cards of the same rank.
- Full house: three of a kind plus a pair.
- Flush: five cards of the same suit.
- Straight: five cards in sequence.
- Three of a kind: three cards of the same rank.
- Two pair.
- One pair.
- High card.
How Texas Hold'em plays
Each player gets two hidden cards. There is a betting round, then three shared cards are dealt (the flop). Another betting round follows, then a fourth card (the turn), another round, a fifth card (the river) and a final round.
At the showdown each player makes the best five-card hand out of seven: their own two and the five on the table.
Actions in a betting round
On your turn you can check when there is no bet, call, raise or fold. Whoever is left at the end shows their hand, and the best hand wins.
A note
This guide is general and explains the rules of the game. The Ashbet casino offers slots, live dealer tables and more, and availability varies by region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hand in poker?
A royal flush: 10, jack, queen, king and ace of the same suit.
Which is stronger, a flush or a straight?
A flush beats a straight.
How do you play Texas Hold'em?
Each player gets two hidden cards, and five shared cards come out in stages: the flop, the turn and the river. The best five-card hand wins.
What is a full house?
Three of a kind plus a pair in the same hand, for example three eights and two kings.
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These guides are general information, not financial or legal advice. Gambling is for adults aged 21 and over only, subject to the law and availability where you live. Please gamble responsibly.