Winning combinations in poker - basics of poker hands

Poker is a game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. To be successful, it is crucial to understand the basic elements of the game, and one of the most important is winning combinations. Each player aims to assemble the strongest hand using five cards. Understanding these combinations is not only the first step to success in poker but also the foundation for developing advanced strategies. In this text, we will explain in detail what winning combinations in poker are, starting from the strongest to the weakest, so that you can improve your game and increase your chances of winning in poker.

1. Royal Flush

The Royal Flush represents the pinnacle of poker hands and the strongest possible combination. It consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit, starting from ten and ending with an ace (10, J, Q, K, A). The chances of getting a Royal Flush are extremely slim, making this combination rare and highly esteemed among poker players. When a player has a Royal Flush, it's almost certain they'll win the hand, except in theoretically possible situations of splitting the pot in poker variants where multiple players can have it. This combination symbolizes the pinnacle of luck and skill in poker and is every player's dream.

2. Straight Flush

The Straight Flush is the second strongest combination in poker, just behind the Royal Flush. This combination consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit, but it differs from the Royal Flush in that it doesn't have to start from ten. For example, the combination 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, all in hearts, represents a Straight Flush. The chances of getting this combination are also very slim but slightly higher than the Royal Flush. The Straight Flush is an extremely strong hand that most of the time guarantees victory, except in rare situations when faced with a Royal Flush or another higher-ranking Straight Flush.

3. Four of a Kind

Four of a Kind is a combination consisting of four cards of the same value, with one additional card that does not affect the strength of the hand. For example, four queens and any other card make Four of a Kind queens. This combination is extremely strong, and rarely any other hand can beat it, except a Straight Flush or Royal Flush. Four of a Kind is a combination that doesn't appear often, but when it does, it usually guarantees high chances of winning. Due to its rarity and strength, it generates great excitement among players and often marks a turning point in the game. If two players have Four of a Kind, the winner is determined by the value of the four identical cards, with the higher set of four identical cards winning.

4. Full House

Full House is one of the stronger combinations in poker, consisting of three cards of the same value and a pair (two cards of the same value). For example, a combination of three kings and two aces represents Full House kings over aces. This hand combines strength and balance, providing the player with high chances of winning.

Full House is more common than the previously mentioned combinations such as Four of a Kind and Straight Flush, but still represents a strong hand that usually ensures the pot. In situations where multiple players have a Full House, the winner is determined based on the three cards of the same value that make up part of the Full House. If those cards are equal, then the pair is compared – the player with the higher pair wins. Full House is a combination that often brings twists and surprises to the game, making poker even more exciting.

5. Flush

A Flush is a poker hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, but not necessarily in sequence. For example, if a player has five heart cards, regardless of their numerical value, it constitutes a Flush. A Flush is stronger than a "Straight" because the chances of getting five cards of the same suit are less than getting five consecutive cards of different suits.

When multiple players have a Flush, the winner is determined based on the highest card in the hand. If that card is also the same, then the next highest cards are compared until a difference is found. A Flush is one of the stronger hands in poker and often can secure victory in a round, especially in games with multiple players where it's harder to form even stronger combinations.

6. Straight

A Straight represents a combination consisting of five consecutive cards of different suits. It's important to note that in this combination, the suit of the cards doesn't matter, only their numerical or sequential value. For example, the combination 7-8-9-10-J represents a Straight, regardless of the suits of the cards. A Straight is a strong hand in poker and often can ensure victory, especially in situations where there aren't many strong combinations on the table. In case two or more players have a Straight, the winner is determined by the highest card in the sequence. If two players have the same highest card, the pot is split. One interesting aspect of a Straight is the ability of an ace to play a dual role: as the highest card above a king or as the lowest card below a deuce, allowing the formation of the A-2-3-4-5 sequence, known as the "Lowest Straight." This flexibility makes a Straight a unique and strategically interesting combination in poker.

7. Three of a Kind

Three of a Kind is a poker combination consisting of three cards of the same value, with two additional cards that do not contribute to the combination. For example, three kings with any other two cards make Three of a Kind kings. This combination is stronger than two pairs but weaker than a Straight.

Three of a Kind is a relatively common combination in poker and can provide decent chances of winning, especially in hands with a large number of players. In situations where multiple players have Three of a Kind, the winner is determined based on the value of the three identical cards. If those values are equal, the remaining two cards are looked at to determine the winner, first the highest additional card, and then the second additional card if necessary.

Three of a Kind can be a strong foundation for building a hand, especially in poker variants where players have the opportunity to exchange cards or in games with community cards, where there is a possibility of improving the hand to a Full House or even a Four of a Kind.

8. Two Pairs

Two Pairs represent a poker combination consisting of two different pairs of cards of the same value, with one additional card that does not contribute to the combination. For example, two pairs of tens and twos, with any fifth card, make a "Two Pairs" hand. This combination is considered moderately strong in the spectrum of poker hands and often appears during the game.

When multiple players have Two Pairs, the winner is determined based on the strength of the highest pair, and then the second pair if the first pair is identical. In case the first and second pairs are identical, the deciding factor becomes the fifth card, known as the "kicker." If the kicker is also the same, the pot is split among the players.

Two Pairs can be a solid foundation for building a hand, but players should be cautious, as there is often a possibility that opponents have a stronger hand, such as Three of a Kind or a Straight. That's why it's important to assess the strength of your hand in the context of the community cards on the table and possible hands that opponents may have

9. Pair

Pair represents one of the basic poker combinations and consists of two cards of the same value, with three additional cards that do not contribute to the combination. For example, two aces with any three other cards make a Pair of aces. Although this is the weakest hand that can win based on combinations, a Pair often appears and can be sufficient for victory, especially in games with a large number of players or in situations where opponents don't have strong hands.

When multiple players have a Pair, the winner is determined based on the value of the pair. If players have an identical Pair, then the remaining three cards are looked at to determine the winner, starting with the highest "kicker" card. In some cases, when both the Pair and kicker cards are identical, the pot is split among the players.

Although a Pair may seem like a modest hand, it plays a crucial role in game strategy, especially in poker variants like Texas Hold'em, where players often rely on high cards or a Pair to form their best hand. That's why the ability to assess the strength of a Pair in the context of the overall game dynamics is an important skill that every poker player should develop

How to make a poker hand?

To make a poker hand, you need to follow several basic steps and understand the rules of the game you are playing. Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the goal is to make the strongest possible combination of five cards. Here's how you can make a poker hand:

1. Understanding Hand Rankings

The first step is to understand the different poker hands and their rankings, from the strongest to the weakest:

Royal Flush
Straight Flush
Four of a Kind
Full House
Flush
Straight
Three of a Kind
Two Pairs
Pair
High Card

2. Dealing Cards

Depending on the poker variant you're playing, cards can be dealt in various ways. In Texas Hold'em, for example, each player receives two "hole" cards that are unique to them, and then during multiple rounds of dealing, community cards on the table are revealed.

3. Forming a Hand

Use a combination of your hole cards and community cards (in games like Texas Hold'em) to form the best possible five-card hand. In some variants, like Draw Poker, the goal is to choose which cards to keep and which to replace to improve your hand.

4. Card Selection Strategy

It's important to develop a strategy for selecting cards that make up your hand. This includes assessing the chances of getting certain combinations and reading possible opponent hands.

5. Using Bluffs

In poker, it's not always necessary to have the strongest hand to win. Bluffing, or playing in a way that suggests you have a stronger hand than you actually do, can be crucial for winning pot.

6. Adjusting Based on the Game

Adjust your hand-forming strategy based on the poker variant you're playing and the dynamics among players. In some games, like Omaha, rules about which and how many cards you can use from your hand may vary.

7. Practice and Experience

As with anything, practice and experience are key to success. Playing different hands and situations will help you better understand how to form the strongest possible poker hands. Forming a poker hand requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck. Understanding the basics and continuously learning and adjusting your game will help you become more skilled at forming winning poker hands