How to play poker
Short Deck Hand Rankings
Check out the below hand rankings, specific to Short Deck, from strongest to weakest.
Please note that short deck hand order differs from the official poker hand rankings which you can find on the dedicated page.
Royal flush
A royal flush is an ace high straight flush. For example, A-K-Q-J-10 all of hearts.
Straight flush
A straight flush is a five-card straight, all in the same suit. For example, 10-9-8-7-6 all of hearts.
Four of a kind
Four of a kind, or quads, are four cards of equal value. For example, four aces.
Flush
A flush is any 5 cards, all of the same suit. For example, K-Q-10-8-7 all of spades.
Full house
A full house contains both three of a kind and a pair. For example, A-A-A-K-K.
Straight
Five cards of sequential value, but of different suits. For example, 6-7-8-9-10.
Three of a kind
Three cards of the same value. For example, three aces.
Two pairs
This is two cards of one value and another two cards of a different value. For example, two aces and two kings.
One Pair
One pair is two cards of the same value. For example, two aces.
High card
The hand with the highest card(s) wins. If two or more players hold the highest card, a kicker (an unpaired card, the higher the better) comes into play.
Differences versus No Limit Hold’em and PLO:
- Flush beats a full house
- Aces play as high or low, but as there is no 2-5, A6789 is the low straight. TJQKA remains the high straight.
- Ah,6h,7h,8h,9h, would therefore be the low straight flush.