Rank in Poker

Rank Definition

In poker, rank refers to two different but related things:

1. Card rank – the value of individual cards, like 2 through Ace.
2. Hand rank – how strong a combination of cards is compared to others.

Card Rank

Cards are ranked from lowest to highest like this:

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace

Ace is usually the highest card, but in some cases (like a straight: A-2-3-4-5), it can also count as the lowest.

Hand Rank

Poker hands are ranked based on how rare and powerful they are. From strongest to weakest, the hand rankings in most games (like Texas Hold’em and Omaha) are:

1. Royal Flush – A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ (all same suit)
2. Straight Flush – Five cards in a row, same suit (e.g., 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥)
3. Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank (e.g., Q♣ Q♦ Q♥ Q♠)
4. Full House – Three of a kind + a pair (e.g., J♠ J♦ J♥ 8♣ 8♦)
5. Flush – Five cards of the same suit, any order (e.g., A♣ J♣ 9♣ 6♣ 3♣)
6. Straight – Five cards in a row, any suits (e.g., 7♠ 6♦ 5♣ 4♦ 3♥)
7. Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank (e.g., 10♠ 10♥ 10♦)
8. Two Pair – Two different pairs (e.g., 9♣ 9♦ 4♥ 4♠)
9. One Pair – One pair of the same rank (e.g., 7♣ 7♥)
10. High Card – None of the above; the highest card wins (e.g., A♠ 10♣ 7♦ 5♥ 3♠)

Examples of Where the Term “Rank” Is Used

• At Showdown: “Let’s see whose hand ranks higher.”
• In Tutorials: “Learn the poker hand rankings before you play.”
• Online Tools: Hand rank calculators help beginners learn what beats what.
• Game Rules: “In the event of a tie, the hand with the highest-ranked cards wins.”

So whether you’re talking about a King beating a Queen, or a Full House crushing a Flush, rank is how poker keeps score.