Standard high-hand poker evaluates the strongest five-card combination. When players hold the same category, the ranks of the relevant cards—and then kickers—break ties. Suits do not have different values for deciding a standard showdown.
1. Royal flush
A, K, Q, J, and 10 of the same suit, such as A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠. It is the highest possible straight flush.
2. Straight flush
Five consecutive cards of one suit, such as 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥. The higher straight flush wins.
3. Four of a kind
Four cards of the same rank plus one kicker. Higher quads beat lower quads.
4. Full house
Three cards of one rank and two of another, such as J♠ J♥ J♦ 4♣ 4♥. Compare the three-of-a-kind portion first, then the pair.
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit that are not consecutive. Compare the highest card, then the next highest, until the tie is broken.
6. Straight
Five consecutive ranks, with suits unrestricted. An ace may be high in 10-J-Q-K-A or low in A-2-3-4-5, but cannot wrap around in Q-K-A-2-3. A five-high straight loses to a six-high straight.
7. Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank plus two unmatched kickers. Compare the three matching cards first.
8. Two pair
Two distinct pairs and a kicker. Compare the higher pair, then the lower pair, then the kicker. A-A-4-4-9 beats K-K-Q-Q-A because the aces form the higher top pair.
9. One pair
Two cards of the same rank and three kickers. The higher pair wins; tied pairs are decided by the kickers in descending order.
10. High card
A hand with none of the combinations above. Compare its five cards from highest to lowest.
Ties and split pots
If the best five-card hands are identical in rank, the pot is split. On a Hold’em board of 10♠ J♦ Q♣ K♥ A♠, everyone who reaches showdown shares the same ace-high straight unless a stronger five-card hand can be made. Private cards do not automatically count as additional kickers.