poker

Learn how to play poker

Whether you are new to the game of poker, or just need a refresher, PokerStars has what you need to learn how to play.

  • Learn what beats what: We’ve got a handy guide to the hierarchy of poker hands, so you’ll always know when you’re holding the nuts!
  • We’ve got links to help you learn different types of poker game, plus free strategy advice.

Texas Hold’em - Hand Ranking

Before you hit the online poker tables, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the basic hand rankings and rules that govern Texas Hold’em. Here are the 10 hands every player should know before joining the action.

Cards | Royal Flush

Royal Flush

Poker’s most famous hand, a royal flush, cannot be beaten. It consists of the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of a single suit.

Cards | Straight Flush

Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence, of the same suit. In the event of a tie, the highest rank at the top of the sequence wins.

Cards | Four of a Kind

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, and one side card or ‘kicker’. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.

Cards | Full House

Full House

Three cards of the same rank, and two cards of a different, matching rank. In the event of a tie, the highest three matching cards wins.

Cards | Flush

Flush

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. In the event of a tie, the player holding the highest ranked card wins.

Cards | Straight

Straight

Five non-suited cards in sequence. In the event of a tie, the highest ranking card at the top of the sequence wins.

Cards | Three of a Kind

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second-highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.

Cards | Two Pair

Two Pair

Two cards of matching rank, two cards of different matching rank, and one kicker. If both players have an identical Two Pair, the highest kicker wins.

Cards | Pair

Pair

Two cards of matching rank, and three unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second or third-highest side card wins.

Cards | High Card

High Card

Any hand that does not qualify under the categories listed. In the event of a tie, the highest card wins, such as ‘ace-high’.

Develop your Skills - Why you should learn with PokerStars

The world’s largest poker site has everything you need to become poker’s next big-name pro. From free tournaments to expert tips, check out the tools below and start improving your game.

Free Poker

Free Poker

Visit our page that lets you learn the basics and start playing for fun. It’s got everything you need to improve your game - and best of all it’s completely free to join!

Try Different Games

Try Different Games

Think you’ve mastered No-Limit Hold’em? Fine tune your skills in a variety of poker formats such as Omaha and more in tourneys and Ring Games starting now. Learn every format to become the ultimate poker player.