Royal Flush
Poker’s most famous hand, a royal flush, cannot be beaten. It consists of the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of a single suit.
Learn how to play poker
Whether you are new to the game of poker, or just need a refresher, PokerStars has what you need to learn how to play.
- Learn what beats what: We’ve got a handy guide to the hierarchy of poker hands, so you’ll always know when you’re holding the nuts!
- We’ve got links to help you learn different types of poker game, plus free strategy advice.
Texas Hold’em - Hand Ranking
Before you hit the online poker tables, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the basic hand rankings and rules that govern Texas Hold’em. Here are the 10 hands every player should know before joining the action.
Straight Flush
Five cards in sequence, of the same suit. In the event of a tie, the highest rank at the top of the sequence wins.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank, and one side card or ‘kicker’. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.
Full House
Three cards of the same rank, and two cards of a different, matching rank. In the event of a tie, the highest three matching cards wins.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. In the event of a tie, the player holding the highest ranked card wins.
Straight
Five non-suited cards in sequence. In the event of a tie, the highest ranking card at the top of the sequence wins.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second-highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.
Two Pair
Two cards of matching rank, two cards of different matching rank, and one kicker. If both players have an identical Two Pair, the highest kicker wins.
Pair
Two cards of matching rank, and three unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second or third-highest side card wins.
High Card
Any hand that does not qualify under the categories listed. In the event of a tie, the highest card wins, such as ‘ace-high’.
Why play at PokerStars
Comprehensive How to Play sections
New to the felt? Or looking to improve or refresh your knowledge? We have all you need. From rules to strategy, to all poker hand rankings and a brilliant A-Z of poker terminology, you’ll be a novice no more.
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Think you’ve mastered No-Limit Hold’em? Fine tune your skills in a variety of poker formats. We offer more game variants and tournaments than any other site. Play your favorite games and explore new ones to become the ultimate poker player.
Zoom
Become a better poker player in double-quick time thanks to PokerStars fast-paced poker format, Zoom poker. Once you fold in a Zoom game, you’ll instantly be dealt a new hand against new opponents. Play more hands, learn new strategies and interact with more play money users every second with Zoom.
Play Money
Build your knowledge, skills and confidence at play money tables. All the fun and action of real poker, but with no money at risk. Ring games or tourneys – you choose. Pit yourself against some of the world’s best play money players – you may even spot a pro taking a break from high-stakes action – and try out new strategies and game variants. Then take your learnings back to the real money tables!