How to read video poker hand rankings

Understanding hand rankings is essential for playing video poker effectively. Knowing which hands are strong and which are weak helps you make better decisions about which cards to keep or discard.

Here’s a simple guide to reading and understanding video poker hand rankings.

1. Royal Flush – The Highest Hand

The royal flush is the strongest hand in video poker. It consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.

• Why it matters: The royal flush usually has the highest payout.

• Strategy tip: Always aim to keep cards that can complete a royal flush when possible, especially if betting max coins.

2. Straight Flush – Five Consecutive Cards of the Same Suit

A straight flush is five cards in sequence, all of the same suit. For example, 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts.

• Why it matters: It pays slightly less than a royal flush but is still rare.

• Strategy tip: Prioritize keeping cards that form a straight flush over lower-paying hands like three of a kind.

3. Four of a Kind – Four Cards of the Same Rank

Four of a kind means four cards with the same number or face value, such as four Queens.

• Why it matters: It has a high payout and occurs more frequently than a royal or straight flush.

• Strategy tip: Always keep four of a kind and discard the fifth card for a chance at a straight or flush only if necessary.

4. Full House – Three of a Kind + a Pair

A full house combines three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank, like three 8s and two Kings.

• Why it matters: It is a solid hand with a good payout and occurs more often than rarer hands.

• Strategy tip: Keep full house combinations instead of chasing straights or flushes with lower chances.

5. Flush – Five Cards of the Same Suit

A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.

• Why it matters: Flushes are moderately rare and pay well.

• Strategy tip: Keep four suited cards if you are drawing one card, especially if it can lead to a royal or straight flush.

6. Straight – Five Consecutive Cards of Any Suit

A straight is five consecutive cards of mixed suits, such as 7-8-9-10-J.

• Why it matters: It pays less than a flush but is still valuable.

• Strategy tip: Keep hands that can complete a straight when the probability of success is reasonable.

7. Three of a Kind, Two Pair, and One Pair

• Three of a kind: Three cards of the same rank.

• Two pair: Two different pairs in one hand.

• One pair: Two cards of the same rank, usually Jacks or higher in Jacks or Better.

• Strategy tip: Always hold high pairs. Consider breaking lower pairs if you have a chance for higher hands like straights or flushes.

Conclusion

Reading video poker hand rankings is essential for making the right decisions and maximizing payouts. By knowing which hands are strongest and how they compare, you can decide which cards to hold or discard. Beginners should practise with strategy charts and free games to become confident in recognizing hand values.