Poker Combinations Chart and Tie-Break Rules
This page is a practical reference for poker combinations: full ranking order, quick tie-break logic, and common comparison spots. Use it to avoid close-call mistakes at the table.
Full Poker Combinations Ranking (Highest to Lowest)
| Rank | Combination | Example | How It Wins | Tie-Break Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A K Q J 10 (same suit) | Best possible hand in standard poker. | If two players have it, the pot is split. |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 9 8 7 6 5 (same suit) | Five consecutive cards in one suit. | Higher top card wins. |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | A A A A + K | Four cards of the same rank. | Higher quads win; kicker decides if needed. |
| 4 | Full House | K K K + 7 7 | Three of one rank plus a pair. | Higher trips first, then pair. |
| 5 | Flush | A J 8 6 3 (same suit) | Any five cards in one suit. | Compare highest cards one by one. |
| 6 | Straight | 10 9 8 7 6 | Five consecutive cards, mixed suits allowed. | Higher top card wins. A 2 3 4 5 is valid and counts as 5-high straight. |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Q Q Q + 9 + 4 | Three cards of the same rank. | Higher trips win, then kickers. |
| 8 | Two Pair | J J + 8 8 + A | Two different pairs plus one kicker. | Higher pair first, lower pair second, kicker last. |
| 9 | One Pair | 10 10 + A + 7 + 3 | One pair plus three kickers. | Higher pair wins, then kickers in order. |
| 10 | High Card | A J 9 6 2 | No pair, no straight, no flush. | Compare highest cards one by one. |
How to Memorize Combinations Faster
Instead of memorizing ten names in isolation, group combinations by pattern:
- Sequence hands: straight, straight flush, royal flush.
- Suit-based hands: flush and straight flush.
- Pair-based hands: one pair, two pair, three of a kind, full house, four of a kind.
- Fallback hand: high card when nothing connects.
Pattern-based memorization improves table speed because your brain checks suit, sequence, then duplicates in the same order every hand.
Common Comparison Spots (Quick Decisions)
Two Pair vs Two Pair
First compare the highest pair. If equal, compare the second pair. If both pairs match, compare kicker.
Flush vs Flush
Do not compare suit symbols. Compare top card, then next card, until one hand is higher.
Straight vs Straight
Only the highest card in the sequence matters. A 9-high straight loses to a 10-high straight.
Full House vs Full House
Three-of-a-kind rank decides first. Pair rank matters only when trips are equal.
Three-Step Training Routine
- Step 1 (2 minutes): Say the ranking order out loud from Royal Flush to High Card.
- Step 2 (3 minutes): Review five close comparisons: two pair, flush, straight, trips, and one pair kicker spots.
- Step 3 (5 minutes): Play timed recognition rounds in Poker Drop and track wrong calls.
Repeat this 10-minute block daily for one week and most ranking errors disappear.
Practice Instantly
Poker Combinations FAQ
What is the rarest poker combination?
The Royal Flush is the rarest standard poker combination and sits at the top of the ranking chart.
Is A 2 3 4 5 a straight?
Yes. It is a valid straight called the wheel, and it is the lowest straight in poker.
Does suit rank matter in normal poker hand comparison?
No. Suits do not break ties in standard hand ranking. Card values and kickers decide.
What should beginners memorize first?
Memorize pair-based hands first, then sequence hands, then tie-break rules for common close spots.