From High Card to Royal Flush: Poker Hands Explained for Beginners
There’s something timeless about the game of poker. Whether you’re sitting at a high-stakes casino table or hosting a casual night at home, knowing your poker hand rankings is the first step to playing with confidence.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through every poker hand, from the unbeatable royal flush to the dreaded worst hand in poker—and even share how to set up your own home game with professional flair.
Poker Hand Rankings: From Best to Worst
If you’re learning poker, understanding the hierarchy of hands is crucial. Here’s a quick poker hand chart showing all 10 standard rankings:
| Rank | Hand Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥ |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | 4♣ 4♦ 4♥ 4♠ 9♠ |
| 4 | Full House Poker Hand | K♦ K♠ K♥ 2♣ 2♠ |
| 5 | Flush | Q♣ 10♣ 6♣ 3♣ 2♣ |
| 6 | Straight | 8♠ 7♣ 6♦ 5♠ 4♥ |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | J♥ J♠ J♣ 7♦ 2♠ |
| 8 | Two Pair | Q♠ Q♦ 5♣ 5♥ 9♣ |
| 9 | One Pair | 10♠ 10♣ 4♠ 7♣ 3♦ |
| 10 | High Card (Worst Hand in Poker) | A♠ 9♥ 7♦ 5♣ 2♠ |
Pro Tip: Print out a poker hand ranking chart or keep one on your phone for quick reference during your first few games.
Understanding Poker Hand Strength and Ranges
Not all poker hands are created equal—even within the same ranking. For example, a full house poker hand made of Kings over Threes beats one made of Queens over Tens.
As you get more comfortable, learning about poker hand strength (how likely your hand is to win) and poker hand ranges (the possible hands an opponent might hold) will give you a strategic edge.
Beginners can start simple: play tight, strong hands and avoid chasing weak draws.
Must-Have Poker Accessories for Home Games
Now that you know the poker hand names, why not host your own game night? With the right gear, you can create a professional-grade setup at home.
Essential Poker Accessories:
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Premium Playing Cards – Durable, 100% plastic decks like COPAG and KEM
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Clay or Ceramic Poker Chips – Get that satisfying “clack” with every bet
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Poker Tables or Table Toppers – Adds casino vibes to any space
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Dealer Buttons and Card Guards – Small details that make a big difference
Bonus: Fun Facts About Poker Hands
Worst Hand in Poker: 7-2 offsuit in Texas Hold’em is the weakest starting hand—almost never worth playing.
Fastest Royal Flush Ever: In 2007, a Royal Flush was dealt on the first hand of the WSOP main event.
Did You Know? The term “dead man’s hand” (Aces and Eights) comes from Wild Bill Hickok’s last game.
Mastering poker hand rankings is your first step to winning at poker. Whether you’re just learning or gearing up for serious play, MRC Poker has everything you need—from luxury poker sets to high quality poker accessories.
