HOW TO PLAY POKER
Master the game from the ground up. Learn rules, hand rankings, betting strategies, and advanced concepts to become a winning poker player.
The Basics
Start here if you're new to poker
Poker Rules 101
Learn the basic rules of Texas Hold'em, the most popular poker variant.
Understanding Cards
Know your deck — suits, values, and how cards combine to make hands.
How to Play Texas Hold'em: Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide
Learn how to play Texas Hold'em poker from scratch. Step-by-step walkthrough of the rules, betting rounds, hand rankings, and tips for your first game.
Poker Rules for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide to poker rules for beginners. Learn game setup, hand rankings, betting actions, showdown rules, and common rule mistakes new players make.
Poker Hand Rankings Explained: Best to Worst
Learn every poker hand ranking from high card to royal flush. Complete guide with examples, odds, and common mistakes beginners make.
Playing the Game
Betting, position, and game mechanics
Hand Rankings
Know what beats what — from best to worst
Royal Flush
A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠
Five consecutive cards, same suit
Straight Flush
9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥
Five consecutive cards, same suit
Four of a Kind
K♠ K♥ K♦ K♣ 2♠
Four cards of the same rank
Full House
Q♠ Q♥ Q♦ 7♣ 7♠
Three of a kind combined with a pair
Flush
A♦ J♦ 8♦ 6♦ 3♦
Five cards of the same suit
Straight
10♠ 9♥ 8♦ 7♣ 6♠
Five consecutive cards, different suits
Three of a Kind
8♠ 8♥ 8♦ K♣ 4♠
Three cards of the same rank
Two Pair
A♠ A♥ 9♦ 9♣ 4♠
Two different pairs
One Pair
K♠ K♥ 10♦ 6♣ 3♠
Two cards of the same rank
High Card
A♠ J♥ 8♦ 6♣ 2♠
No other hand ranking