> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bspin.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bspin.io/poker/hand-rankings.md).

# HAND RANKINGS

Some hands are stronger than others. Compare them and learn how they are ranked. Poker hands are formed using combinations of:

* cards of the same value (pairs)
* cards of the same suit and
* cards in sequence (straights).

### Royal Flush

The strongest hand in poker, made up of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.

### Straight Flush

Five consecutive cards of the same suit. The hand with the higher top card wins.

### Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same value. If two players have the same four of a kind, the kicker (fifth card) decides the winner.

### Full House

Three cards of one value and a pair. The hand with the stronger three-of-a-kind wins.

### Flush

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. The flush with the highest card wins.

### Straight

Five consecutive cards of any suit. The strongest straight is A-K-Q-J-10, while the weakest is 5-4-3-2-A (Ace counts as low).

### Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same value. Kickers are used to break ties.

### Two Pair

Two different pairs. The higher pair determines the stronger hand. If tied, kickers are compared.

### One Pair

Two cards of the same value. The hand with the higher pair wins. If tied, kickers decide.

### High Card

When no other hand is formed, the highest card determines the winner. If needed, kickers are used to break ties.

### 6+ Hold'em Hand Ranking Difference 

In 6+ Hold'em, also known as Short Deck Hold'em, the hand rankings are slightly different due to the removal of cards 2 through 5 from the deck. With only 36 cards, hand probabilities change. A flush is harder to make than a full house, so a flush beats a full house. Additionally, an Ace can be used as a high or low card to complete a straight, including the low straight A-6-7-8-9.