For players who are new to poker, we would like to give you a heads up on the basics of the game. Have a good look at them; they might be the reason that you have a huge advantage while playing in your favourite online poker room!
Each player gets dealt two cards face down, which only they can see. In the middle of the table, the dealer deals 5 shared cards, the player that´s able to make the best combination with 3 of the 5 shared cards using the 2 cards dealt to them earlier wins! However, it is possible to win the game by having other people fold their hands instead of waiting for the showdown of the 5 shared cards.
Poker Hand Rankings
Please have a look at the combinations you can make while playing poker:
1. High Card
When none of the 5 shared cards results in a hit for you, only the highest card counts.
2. One Pair
A pair consists of two cards with the same value, for example 6,6 or A,A. When you have hit one pair your other card sometimes also determines the outcome of the hand which is called the kicker. If two players have the same pair the kicker determines the outcome.
3. Two Pair
Two pair consists of hitting two pairs, meaning you have two cards of the same value.
4. Three of a kind
Consists of 3 cards all of the same value.
5. Straight
When you have 5 consecutive cards this means you have hit a straight.
6. Flush
When you hit 5 cards of the same type, for example 5 cards with hearts or 5 cards with spades.
7. Full house
A full house is a combination of three of a kind and one pair.
8. Four of a kind
With a four of a kind you have 4 cards of the same value e.g. K K K K
9. Straight Flush
A straight flush is a combination of a straight and a flush, meaning 5 consecutive cards with the same type, this is the second strongest hand in poker.
10. Royal Flush
In order to hit a royal flush you need to make a combination of 10-J-Q-K-A and they all need to be of the same type. A royal flush is the strongest hand in poker.