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The basics · Lesson 3 of 8Which beats which

Read · Step 1 of 4

Higher on the list wins

Two hands are compared in up to three steps:

  1. The kind of hand. Higher on the list wins: a flush beats a straight, and a full house beats a flush.
  2. The main cards. Same kind? The higher pair, three of a kind or top card wins: kings beat sevens.
  3. The kickers. Still level? Compare the other cards one by one, from the highest.
KK852Wins77AQ3A pair of kings beats a pair of sevens, even with an ace next to the sevens.

Suits never decide. When all five ranks match, it’s a tie and the pot is shared.

The basics