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.

• Try our interactive poker tutorial, perfect whether you’re completely new to the game or just looking to refresh your memory.
• 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!
• Looking for more? We’ve got links to help you learn different types of poker game, plus free strategy advice from our Poker School.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flush

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

Straight

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

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.

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.

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.

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’.